Oakwell Academy
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: Oakwell Academy, 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; 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 Oakwell Academy, 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 oversee management and supervision of the Dual Credit Program.
- The College service area includes the following counties: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Waller, Washington, and parts of Milam, Montgomery, Robertson, and Walker Counties.
- The College will ensure dual credit courses maintain quality, sequencing, content, and rigor equivalent to those taught to other students (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) standard).
- The College will offer dual credit courses from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) and Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM) as determined by mutual agreement. Developmental courses and Kinesiology courses for high school physical education requirements are not available for dual credit.
- Dual credit courses can be offered during any semester at locations agreed upon by both Parties, using technology as needed.
- The District is responsible for ensuring courses meet Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements and for utilizing a course equivalency crosswalk. Endorsements and dual credit courses shall align with postsecondary pathways and credentials per SB 1276 (2019).
- All College prerequisites and course sequencing apply.
- Satisfactory academic performance is determined per College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) (see Appendix A).
- The College may set a minimum enrollment for courses and reserves the right to cancel if minimums are not met.
- The College encourages dual credit students in online courses to have scheduled in-school time with a high school proctor.
B. The School
- The School must provide a learning atmosphere and classroom facilities comparable to those on the College campus.
- Instructional technology and auxiliary equipment typical for classroom instruction should be provided.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment for online/internet and Interactive Video Conference (IVC) courses (see Appendix B).
- Professional-level personnel will be assigned to identify, advise, and verify prospective students’ eligibility for the Dual Credit Program.
- Trained personnel will assist with registration and related administrative functions.
- The School/District initiates course accommodation processes for students with disabilities, providing IEP documentation for College Office of Disability Services (ODS).
- If grading scales differ, the School will provide students with a document comparing College and District grading scales (see Appendix A).
- The District/School will communicate to students and parents that a grade equivalent to 70 out of 100 is required for high school graduation credit, even if a College "D" is passing.
- Dual credit students with Q-drops will be recorded as "W" and not penalized under TEC §51.907.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties agree to operate in compliance with all applicable federal, State, and local laws, executive orders, regulations, including but not limited to:
- Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1974
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, FERPA, and relevant Texas laws and codes
- State reporting, record retention, and program guidelines
- TEA Student Attendance Accounting Handbook, Financial Accountability System Resource Guide, THECB requirements, and accrediting agencies
- The Parties will:
- Certify their sites are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant
- Comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Abide by policy prohibiting discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any basis prohibited by law
Blinn College District Notice of Nondiscrimination
Blinn College District does not discriminate based on sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. Inquiries may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator (adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu, 979-830-4216) or the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. More information is available at www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html.
Blinn College District Statement of Nondiscrimination
The College prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Retaliation is also prohibited.
Blinn College District Statement on Parenting Services
Students needing special arrangements due to pregnancy or parenting status should contact the Parenting Services Office. Instructors cannot provide accommodations without verification.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission – Student’s Required Actions
- Students may attend the College during the semester they demonstrate readiness or eligibility. They must:
- Obtain written/electronic permission from the high school principal or designee (see Appendix C)
- Earn a "B" average (or "C" for WECM trades courses) in high school work attempted, otherwise submit a principal’s letter for special consideration
- Complete a College Application through ApplyTexas
- Meet TSI criteria for dual credit (see eligibility requirements)
- Provide proof of bacterial meningitis vaccine if attending Blinn College campuses in person (not required for students taking only high school or online courses)
- Students from private/non-accredited secondary schools or home schools must meet these requirements.
Section 3. Classes and Schedules
- The College will coordinate and finalize course schedules with the School each semester. The School provides anticipated numbers by May 1 and proposed schedules by July 20 each year.
- All high school students in College academic dual credit classes follow the official College calendar, regardless of class location or modality.
- Course load limits are set by Applicable Law and confirmed by College and District representatives (see Appendix C).
- Academic dual credit classes must be (1) solely dual credit students or (2) dual credit plus advanced placement students. Technical dual credit classes may mix technical, college credit, or local articulation students.
- Face-to-face instruction on high school campuses requires minimum class sizes and reasonable proximity to College campuses. The College may explore instructional alternatives if enrollments are low. Transportation is not provided by the College.
- Where face-to-face instruction is available on a high school campus, online versions of the same course are restricted except with Divisional Dean approval.
Section 4. Faculty
- Dual credit faculty must meet College credentialing and hiring standards, complete required orientation, and pass background checks.
- Approved District teachers teaching dual credit courses do so as part of their normal assignment, following all relevant policies.
- Faculty compensation is outlined in Section 6.
- College academic leadership is responsible for oversight and evaluation of dual credit instructors. This does not alter employment status or create liability between Parties.
Section 5. Facilities
- Courses must be in adequate physical facilities per SACSCOC accreditation guidelines. Facilities are assessed prior to and during instruction.
- Class size and instructional modality are jointly determined.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The FAST program provides free dual credit to students formerly eligible for free/reduced-price lunch within the last four school years. Eligibility is determined each semester in coordination with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the District/School. FAST-eligible students pay no tuition, fees, or material costs. Non-FAST students pay $56.87 per scheduled credit hour or the approved State tuition rate. The District/School covers all remaining costs for FAST-eligible students. Tuition, fees, and costs are further detailed in the financial section below.
Section 7. Tuition
- Option 1: College/District instructor provides instruction – Non-FAST student pays approved tuition.
- Option 2: District instructor (College does not pay instructor) – Non-FAST student pays $20/credit hour, and District receives $500 per course section with a minimum of 8 students.
- Option 3: District instructor, technical (WECM) course, College pays no compensation – no cost to students.
Tuition and fees may change during the Agreement term as established by College’s Board of Trustees or the State of Texas.
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
- Full-time College faculty: per contract.
- Adjunct instructors: per course rate.
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, and Textbooks
- Dual Credit instruction must follow the same curriculum, grading, and rigor as on campus.
- Common Syllabus must be posted in Concourse for each dual credit course.
- Identical or equivalent textbooks are required; the College does not provide books. Open educational resources may be used when possible.
- FAST-eligible students receive textbooks and materials at no cost, covered by the District. Non-eligible students are responsible for their own costs.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students and instructors may access library resources at both the School and College, including online resources and campus learning centers.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
A. Advising
- The College provides instructional support, including advising and counseling, as mandated by TX SB 1277, SB 25, and SB 1324. Advising strategies are outlined in Appendix G.
- The academic advising contact for the College is Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs (shannon.williford@blinn.edu).
B. Support Services
Dual credit students have access to computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers on any College campus.
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- Dual credit students must comply with College policies, including the Student Code of Conduct.
- Students must follow academic regulations related to academic integrity (See College Catalog).
- Students asked to leave class for incivility may not return until arranging a conference with the instructor (see Board Policy FLB).
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fees are due at registration, with a payment plan available. Unpaid students will be dropped.
- Financial Aid is not available to dual credit students per CFR 668.7(a)(2).
- State funding is available to both District/School and College per TEA and THECB rules, but only for specific types of credit.
- Repeat enrollments may result in additional fees, except for technical courses and FAST students.
- The College does not provide transportation.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- The College provides class rosters and grades numerically formatted to the School each semester.
- Student records are maintained by both Parties per law, including FERPA, with information shared as educational agents. Record retention complies with Texas law.
- Dual credit and college credit must be transcripted immediately upon course completion.
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
The Parties agree to resolve issues collaboratively, with escalation from campus liaisons to District/College administration and, if needed, to legal counsel.
Section 16. Term and Termination
The Agreement is effective June 1, 2024 through the end of the second summer semester of 2027, unless terminated earlier by either Party with 60 days' notice prior to the end of the current semester. Termination will not affect students currently enrolled in dual credit courses.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- Entire Agreement
- This Agreement and its appendices are the full Agreement, superseding previous versions.
- Amendments
- Modifications must be written and signed by both Parties.
- Governing Law
- Texas law applies; venue is Washington County, Texas.
- Notice
- All notices must be in writing as specified in the Agreement.
- Relationship of the Parties
- Parties are independent contractors; there is no partnership, joint venture, or authority for one to act on behalf of the other.
- No Waiver
- Failure or delay in exercising rights does not constitute waiver.
- Assignment
- No assignment without written consent of the other Party.
- Severability
- If any provision is invalid, the rest remains in effect.
- No Third Party Rights
- This Agreement is for the Parties' benefit only.
Section 18. List of Appendices
The following appendices are attached and incorporated:
- 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: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
High school course subject to change; alignment determined by the high school. Each school district decides which courses they will offer for dual credit.
| Course Number | Blinn College Course Title | High School TEKS Course* | College Credit | Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Course Guide Manual courses | ||||
| ECON 2301 | Principles of Macroeconomics | Economics | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1311 | Introduction to Speech Communication | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1315 | Public Speaking | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1321 | Business & Professional Communication | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| English/Language Arts | ||||
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | English III or English IV | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 1302 | Composition II | 3 | All Areas | |
| ENGL 2322 | British Literature I | English IV, if prerequisites completed | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 2323 | British Literature II | 3 | All Areas | |
Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework offered in high school; can earn college credit with qualifying exam scores.
- Advising
- Individualized academic guidance for student success and college/career goals.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Program where students may earn credit by examination.
- Contact Hours
- The total hours a class meets weekly.
- Degree Plan
- Statement of course requirements for earning an associate or bachelor's degree.
- Dual Credit
- Courses for which high school students earn both high school and college credit.
Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Outreach to inform students/parents of the benefits and costs of dual credit, including enrollment and fee policies.
- Collaboration between ISDs and Blinn College to host informational sessions
- Advisors provide college and dual credit info at school and community events
- High school counselor workshops offered
- Dual credit programs assist high school students in transitioning to and accelerating through postsecondary education.
- All dual credit students receive academic and college readiness advising.
- Quality and rigor of dual credit courses are sufficient to ensure student success in subsequent coursework.
Measures include documentation of collaboration, analysis of enrollment, degree completion, and performance in subsequent coursework.