North Zulch High School
AGREEMENT FOR THE BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM
This Agreement for the Blinn College District Dual Credit Program (Agreement) is by and between BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT, a public community college established under Chapter 130 of the Texas Education Code and a political subdivision of the State of Texas, (“College”), and: North Zulch High School, a Texas Public independent school district and political subdivision of the State of Texas (“District”) with an effective date of June 1, 2024 ("Effective Date"). Individually, the College and the District are referred to herein as Party and collectively as Parties.
Recitals
- WHEREAS, Texas Education Code (TEC) §§ 28.009, 29.182, 29.184, and 130.008; and 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 4, Subchapter D and Chapter 9, Subchapter H authorize an institution of higher education to contract with a public school district for the provision of instruction resulting in dual credit received by a student for such course; and
- WHEREAS, the College and the District desire to establish a dual credit program ("Dual Credit Program") to be operated as part of the District’s North Zulch High School ("School").
- NOW THEREFORE, for the mutual promises and covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the Parties agree as follows:
Section 1. General Criteria
A. Blinn College District (College)
- The College will designate a leadership team to be in charge of the management and supervision of the Dual Credit Program.
- The College service area includes: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Waller and Washington Counties, and parts of Milam, Montgomery, Robertson and Walker Counties.
- The College will ensure that dual credit courses follow the same quality, sequencing, content, and rigor as those courses taught to the institution’s other students. [Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) standard]
- In accordance with Applicable Law, the College will offer dual credit courses listed in the current edition of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) and Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM). Courses offered each semester shall be determined by the College and agreed upon by the District/School. Courses provided under this Agreement shall be consistent with the educational purpose, mission, and goals of the College and shall be under the direct control of the College. Developmental courses are not available to dual credit students. Kinesiology courses that count towards the high school graduation physical education requirement will not be offered to dual credit students.
- Dual credit courses may be offered during any semester in a location and classroom mutually agreed upon by the School and College. The College will seek every opportunity to use available technology as appropriate to support dual credit sites.
- The District is responsible for ensuring that dual credit courses meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. A course equivalency crosswalk will be used to equate high school courses with college courses. The crosswalk identifies credits that may be earned for each course completed through the Dual Credit Program and provides alignment of endorsements offered by the District and its corresponding dual credit course. Endorsements and dual credit courses offered under the agreement that apply toward those endorsements shall be aligned with postsecondary pathways and credentials at the institution and industry certifications. See Appendix F, Dual Credit Course Crosswalk.
- All College prerequisites must be met and course sequencing shall be followed.
- A participating student’s satisfactory academic performance in a dual credit course shall be determined in accordance with College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL), attached in Appendix A.
- The College reserves the right to set a minimum number of students for enrollment in each course. If this minimum is not met, the College reserves the right to cancel the course.
- The College strongly encourages dual credit students taking classes online to have an in-school time scheduled to work with a high school proctor.
B. The School
- The School is responsible for providing a learning atmosphere and classroom facilities comparable to the ones offered on the College campus, regardless of modality of instruction.
- The School will provide instructional technology and auxiliary equipment typically used in support of classroom instruction.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment to meet the needs for online/internet and Interactive Video Conference (IVC) instruction. (Appendix B describes video class regulations.)
- The School will assign professional-level personnel to identify, advise, and verify prospective students’ eligibility to participate in the Dual Credit Program in accordance with Applicable Law.
- The School will assign trained professional-level personnel to assist with College registration functions, including completing and collecting appropriate admissions forms and documentation.
- The School/District will initiate the process for course accommodations due to a disability by providing students with documentation outlining required accommodations and services under an Individual Education Plan (IEP). The student is responsible for submitting IEP documentation to the College’s Office of Disability Services (ODS). Upon receipt, the ODS will provide a verification form listing required accommodations, which the student must present to the instructor before accommodations are implemented.
- If the College grading scale differs from the District’s, the District/School will provide students with a comparative document displaying both grading scales. See Appendix A.
- The District/School must communicate to students and parents that, under 19 TAC § 74.26(c), credit for courses for high school graduation may be earned only if the student received a grade equivalent to 70 on a scale of 100. College personnel will not be expected to communicate with parents. See Appendix A.
- Dual credit students are not affected by the provisions of TEC §51.907. Dual credit students with Q drops will be recorded as a W and will not be penalized as one of the allowed six state drops.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program and perform their obligations under this Agreement in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and requirements, including but not limited to:
- Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, Section 504, ADA, FERPA, HEA Title IV, Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, and others.
- Texas Constitution, Education Code, Administrative Code, TEA and THECB guidelines, and accrediting agency requirements.
- The Parties will:
- Certify that their sites are ADA compliant;
- Comply with all FERPA provisions;
- Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws relevant to this MOU;
- Have and abide by policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on any characteristic prohibited by law.
Blinn College District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including admission and employment.
Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator:
- Dr. Adrienne McCain, Title IX Coordinator
- 902 College Avenue, Brenham, Texas 77833
Administration Building Room 219
adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu
979-830-4216
See Blinn College District’s nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures or reporting information.
Any student who, due to pregnancy or parenting status, may require special arrangements to meet course requirements should contact the Parenting Services Office.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission – Student’s Required Actions
- Students may attend the College during the semester in which they demonstrate readiness for College-level courses or otherwise eligible per Applicable Law. Requirements for admission:
- Written or electronic permission from the high school principal or designee. Approval steps are on the Dual Credit Approval Form (Appendix C).
- B average (or C for WECM trades courses) in all high school work attempted. If not met, a letter from the principal/designee is required.
- College Application through ApplyTexas.
- Meet TSI criteria for dual credit determined by THECB; provide documentation of scores/exemptions before registration. See eligibility on the College website.
- Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine, unless taking all classes at a school facility or online only. See immunization information.
- Students enrolled in private/non-accredited schools, or homeschooled students must meet all admission requirements.
Section 3. Classes and Schedules
- The College will coordinate and finalize the proposed course schedule with the School prior to each semester. The School will submit anticipated numbers by May 1 and course schedule by July 20 for the upcoming school year.
- All students in College academic dual credit classes will follow the official College calendar. Classes shall not be cancelled unless necessary and must be processed through the administration. Lost instructional time must be made up as needed.
- The number of academic classes a student may take is governed by Applicable Law, confirmed by Dual Credit administrators (See Appendix C).
- Academic dual credit classes must be composed solely of dual credit students, or include advanced placement students for technical classes as applicable.
- To provide face-to-face instruction, the school must be within reasonable distance, and minimum class sizes met. If minimum is unmet, alternatives will be explored. The College does not provide transportation.
- If face-to-face instruction is provided, students may not take the same course online except under extenuating circumstances.
Section 4. Faculty
- Faculty assigned to dual credit courses must meet credentialing guidelines and follow College hiring procedures, including application, interview, teaching demonstration, credentialing review, background check, and orientation.
- Approved District dual enrollment faculty teaching dual credit courses will do so as part of their regular assignment and follow all regulations and procedures.
- Faculty teaching dual credit courses will be compensated per Section 6.
- The College’s academic leadership will oversee, supervise, administer, and evaluate instructional delivery by each instructor. Responsibilities include: faculty credentialling, curricula discussion, assessment, evaluation, and course/program assessment. This does not alter employment status, liability, or policy compliance.
Section 5. Facilities
- Dual credit courses are offered in adequate physical facilities, whether under control of the College or School. The College will periodically assess compliance.
- Representatives of both College and School will assess facilities, determine class size, and select modality.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The state of Texas provides FAST funding for colleges to offer dual credit at no cost to educationally disadvantaged students (eligible for free/reduced lunch). Students are eligible if they:
- Are enrolled in high school in a school district or charter school
- Are enrolled in dual credit course at a participating institution
- Were educationally disadvantaged in any of the four previous school years
Eligible students incur no cost for tuition, fees, books, supplies, or materials for dual credit coursework. The District identifies and verifies eligible students to the College by August 5. Non-FAST eligible students pay $56.87 per scheduled credit hour, or the approved tuition rate.
The District/School is responsible for all remaining educational costs for eligible FAST students, including fees, aids, textbooks, materials, and credentialing fees.
Section 7. Tuition
Students will pay tuition as follows:
- Option 1:
- If instructor is a College or District employee, NON-FAST students pay State of Texas approved tuition rate.
- Option 2:
- If a qualified/approved District instructor is used and the College does not pay them an overload, NON-FAST students pay $20/credit hour; the District receives a reimbursement of $500 per course section (minimum eight students required).
- Option 3:
- If a qualified/approved District instructor teaches a technical (WECM) course and receives no College compensation, tuition for each student is waived.
Rates are subject to change by the Board of Trustees or State of Texas.
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
- Full-time College faculty: compensated per contract
- Adjunct instructors: compensated based on the rate for the course
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, and Textbooks
- Dual Credit instruction must be the same curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor as in all College classes.
- A College Common Syllabus must be posted in Concourse for each course, with course outcomes, materials, requirements, College policies, and schedule.
- Courses use identical/equivalent textbooks as on campus. The College is not responsible for providing textbooks. The use of open educational resources is encouraged and reviewed periodically. (HB 3650, 87th Legislature, 2019)
- Students not eligible for FAST funds provide their own textbooks/resources; FAST-eligible students receive these at no cost, provided by the District.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students and instructors may use school or College campus library resources, including online resources, with identical privileges as other College members.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
A. Advising
- The College provides instructional support, advising, and counseling, including any required by TX SB 1277 (2021). At least one employee will be designated for academic advising for dual enrollment students. (See Appendix G)
- The District will collaborate to fulfill requirements of TX SB 25 (2019) and SB 1324 (2019) for degree plans and publication of course sequences.
- Designated contact for dual credit advising: Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs, 979-209-8218, shannon.williford@blinn.edu
B. Support Services
Dual credit students may use computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers on any College campus.
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- Students must comply with all College policies and procedures including the Student Code of Conduct (Catalog).
- Students must comply with academic integrity regulations (Link).
- If removed from class for incivility, the student may not return until a conference with the instructor is arranged. See Board Policy FLB.
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition/fee payments are due at registration. Payment is required before classes begin. Late payment results in dropped courses.
- Financial Aid is not available for dual credit students. (See Federal Regulations (CFR) 668.7(a)(2)).
- State funding is available to both District/School and College per current TEA and THECB rules; limitations apply for what the College can count for funding.
- Students retaking a class more than twice must pay tuition and an extra $50/semester hour (unless technical/FAST-eligible). See College Catalog for details.
- The College is not responsible for student transportation.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- The College will provide class rosters with names and grades at the end of each semester.
- Each Party will maintain all necessary student records and comply with Texas Record Retention laws and FERPA, designating the other Party as an agent with a legitimate educational interest.
- High school and college credit for dual credit courses should be transcripted immediately upon completion of course requirements.
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
The Parties agree to act reasonably and in good faith to resolve issues arising in the partnership. Conflicts should be handled at the lowest level possible and summarized in writing. Liaisons designated for conflict resolution are campus administrator (Principal or designee) and College Director, Dual Credit Programs; if necessary, it escalates to District and College administrators, then to District Superintendent and College Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, and finally to legal counsel.
Section 16. Term and Termination
- Term: The Agreement is effective from the Effective Date until the last day of the second summer semester of 2027. Extension requires mutual written agreement and board approval.
- Termination: Either Party may terminate with or without cause by written notice at least 60 days before the end of a current semester, effective the last day of the College semester. Termination does not affect students already enrolled until they complete their courses.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- A. Entire Agreement.
- This Agreement and all Appendices and exhibits constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior agreements.
- B. Amendments.
- Amendments must be signed in writing by both Parties.
- C. Governing Law; Venue
- This Agreement is governed by Texas law and venue is Washington County, Texas.
- D. Relationship of the Parties.
- Parties are independent contractors and do not form a partnership or joint venture.
- E. No Waiver.
- No waiver or delay in exercising rights shall constitute waiver of rights.
- F. Assignment.
- No assignment without written consent.
- G. Captions.
- Captions are for convenience and do not define the provisions.
- H. Severability.
- If any provision is held invalid, the remainder of the Agreement remains in force.
- I. No Third Party Rights.
- This Agreement creates rights only for the Parties and not for any third party.
- J. Counterparts; Electronic Signatures; Electronic Transmissions.
- This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, including electronic signatures.
Section 18: List of Appendices
- Appendix A: Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
- Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
- Appendix C: Notice of Reimbursement of Services
- Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
- Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Appendix F: Dual Credit Statewide Goals
Executed by the Parties as of the Effective Date: __________, 2024.
| BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT | Name of School |
|---|---|
| Mary Hensley, Ed.D. Chancellor Date: 8/1/2024 |
North Zulch High School Kevin Compton, Superintendent Date: 8/1/2024 |
APPENDIX A: Grading System
EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
The Board establishes the methods for reporting grades, GPA calculation, credit classification, grade appeal, and other relevant matters, as published in the catalog. The Chancellor develops written procedures to implement grading and credit provisions.
Current College Procedures:
At the end of each semester, students receive a final grade report. The grading system is:
- A (90–100) – Excellent
- B (80–89) – Good
- C (70–79) – Average
- D (60–69) – Poor
- F (Below 60) – Failure
- I – Incomplete
- Q, W – Dropped
- CR – Credit
- P – Pass
- NP – Not Passing
- FS – Academic Fresh Start
Other grading and GPA policies, probation, and suspension described in the College Catalog apply.
APPENDIX B: Dual Credit Approval Form
2024-25 Dual Credit/Early Admission Course Approval Form
- Student Name
- ____________________
- Student Signature
- ____________________
- Date
- ____________________
- Parent/Guardian Signature
- ____________________
- Date
- ____________________
- Requested Courses
-
Course Name Semester CRN Day/Time [To be filled by student] - Principal/Designee Signature
- ____________________
- College Official Signature
- ____________________
- Date
- 5/2024
APPENDIX D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
| Course Number | Blinn College Course Title | High School TEKS Course* | College Credit | Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECON 2301 | Principles of Macro Economics | Economics | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1311 | Introduction to Speech Communication | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | English III or IV | 3 | All Areas |
| FMKT 1301 | Floral Design | Floral Design | 3 | Business & Industry |
*High School course is subject to change. Alignment is determined and approved by the High School.
APPENDIX E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College level coursework designed by the College Board, provides college credit with a qualifying AP exam score.
- Advising
- Individualized academic guidance for student educational/career goals.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Students can earn credit by examination via CLEP exam.
- Contact Hours
- Total hours a class meets each week.
- Degree Plan
- Statement of program requirements for an associate/bachelor’s degree.
- Dual Credit
- Courses taken for both high school and college credit.
APPENDIX F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Goal 1: ISDs and IHEs will implement outreach to inform students and parents of dual credit benefits and costs.
Examples:- Informational sessions with students, parents, community partners
- College and dual credit information at events
- High School Counselor Workshops
- Goal 2: Dual credit programs will assist students in successful transition to and acceleration through postsecondary education.
- College tours, registration events, and student transition procedures
- Goal 3: All dual credit students will receive academic and college readiness advising with access to bridge them into college course completion.
- Advising, career counseling, and access to College support services
- Goal 4: The quality and rigor of dual credit courses will ensure student success in subsequent courses.
- Institutional research data, compliance with curriculum standards, and college readiness requirements for participation