Round Top-Carmine 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 ("College") and Round Top-Carmine High School, a Texas public independent school district ("District"), with an effective date of June 1, 2024 ("Effective Date"). Individually, the College and the District are referred to as "Party" and collectively as "Parties".
Recitals
WHEREAS, Texas law authorizes 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 high school.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises set forth herein, the Parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. GENERAL CRITERIA
A. Blinn College District (College)
- The College will designate a leadership team to manage and supervise the Dual Credit Program.
- The College service area includes thirteen counties: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Waller, Washington, 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 courses taught to other College students (per SACSCOC standard).
- In accordance with applicable law, the College will offer dual credit courses listed in the current Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s ACGM and WECM. Courses for each semester will be determined by the College and agreed upon by the District/School. Courses provided under this Agreement will be consistent with the College’s mission and goals and will be under the direct control of the College. Developmental courses and high school physical education credit Kinesiology courses are not available to dual credit students.
- Dual credit courses may be offered in mutually agreed locations and classrooms. The College will seek to utilize available technology as appropriate.
- The District is responsible for ensuring dual credit courses meet TEKS requirements. A course equivalency crosswalk will equate high school and college courses, aligning endorsements offered by the District and dual credit course offerings with postsecondary pathways and credentials (as per SB 1276, 2019). See Appendix F for Dual Credit Course Crosswalk.
- All College prerequisites must be met and all College course sequencing followed.
- Participating students’ satisfactory academic performance will be determined according to College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) (see Appendix A).
- The College reserves the right to set a minimum course enrollment and cancel courses not meeting that threshold.
- Dual credit students taking online classes are strongly encouraged to have scheduled time in school to work with a high school proctor.
B. The School
- The School will provide a learning atmosphere and classroom facilities comparable to those on the College campus, regardless of modality.
- The School will provide instructional technology and classroom support equipment.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment needed for online/internet and IVC. See Appendix B for video class regulations.
- The School will assign professional personnel (as applicable and agreed) to identify, advise, and verify student eligibility in accordance with law.
- The School will assign trained personnel (as applicable and agreed) to assist with College registration functions.
- The District/School will initiate accommodations for students with disabilities via documented IEPs. The student must provide the IEP to the College Office of Disability Services (ODS), which will verify and provide a form for instructors when accommodations are warranted.
- If the grading scales differ, the District will provide students with a comparative document (see Appendix A).
- Students must earn a grade equivalent to 70/100 for high school graduation credit per 19 TAC § 74.26(c); the District communicates this to students/parents. College personnel do not communicate directly with parents about grades (see Appendix A).
- Dual credit students’ Q drops will be recorded as W and will not count against the six-state-drop limit in TEC §51.907.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties agree to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws including but not limited to:
- Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1974
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Other listed federal statutes (see full text above)
- Texas Constitution
- Texas Education Code and Administrative Code
- TEA and THECB guidelines and accrediting agency requirements
- The Parties agree to:
- Certify ADA compliance of their sites
- Comply with FERPA
- Comply with all applicable law to this MOU
- Abide by policies prohibiting discrimination (see nondiscrimination statements below)
Blinn College District Notice of Nondiscrimination
Blinn College District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any program or activity as required by Title IX. Inquiries may be directed to the College’s Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Adrienne McCain, at adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu or 979-830-4216. See www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html and Title IX reporting for more information.
Blinn College District Statement of Nondiscrimination
The College prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. See College Board Policy DIAB.
Blinn College District Statement on Parenting Services
Students requiring special arrangements because of pregnancy or parenting status should contact the Parenting Services Office. Arrangements with instructors require official verification from this office.
SECTION 2. DUAL CREDIT ADMISSION & STUDENT’S REQUIRED ACTIONS
Students may attend the College when ready for college-level courses as allowed by law. Requirements:
- Obtain written/electronic permission from the high school principal or designee (see Appendix C for Dual Credit Approval Form).
- Earn a "B" or better average in all high school work (or a "C" for WECM trades courses, or with a supporting letter from the principal for lower averages, upon which admission will be considered).
- Complete a College Application through ApplyTexas.
- Meet the following legal requirements:
- Satisfy current TSI criteria as determined by THECB; scores/exemptions must be furnished prior to registration. See eligibility requirements.
- Provide proof of bacterial meningitis vaccine, unless taking classes exclusively at the high school or online. See immunization information.
Students from private, non-accredited, or homeschool backgrounds must meet all requirements herein.
SECTION 3. CLASSES AND SCHEDULES
- The College will coordinate and finalize each semester’s schedule with the School, who must submit estimated student numbers by May 1 and the proposed schedule by July 20 each year.
- All high school students in College dual credit classes will follow the official College calendar, regardless of the class location, instructional modality, or local school calendar.
- Students may enroll in academic classes as permitted by law; the College Program administrator will confirm standards with the School (see Appendix C).
- Academic dual credit courses must be taught in classes composed solely of dual credit and/or AP students. Technical/articulated courses may include technical dual credit, college credit, or articulation students.
- Face-to-face academic dual credit courses will require a minimum enrollment; campuses within reasonable distance may combine students from multiple districts. The College does not provide transportation.
- Where face-to-face sections are offered on the School campus, students may not take the same course online without extenuating circumstances as determined by the Divisional Dean.
SECTION 4. FACULTY
- All dual credit faculty must meet College credentialing guidelines and undergo the College hiring process (including application, interview, teaching demonstration, credentials review, background check, and required orientation).
- District dual enrollment faculty will teach as part of their high school assignment and follow applicable District/School/College regulations.
- Faculty compensation is set forth in Section 6 (see below).
- College academic leadership will oversee instructional delivery, faculty credentialing, curricular reviews, and assessment activities. These responsibilities do not change employees’ employment status or create cross-liability.
SECTION 5. FACILITIES
- Dual credit courses will be offered in adequate physical facilities as per SACSCOC guidelines; the College will assess and periodically review facilities.
- College and District/School representatives will together assess facilities, determine class sizes, and select instructional modalities.
SECTION 6. FINANCIAL AID FOR SWIFT TRANSFER (FAST) PROGRAM
The Texas FAST program funds colleges to offer free dual credit to educationally disadvantaged students (eligible for free/reduced lunch in any of the preceding four years). Such students pay no tuition/fees and receive books/materials at no cost.
- Eligible dual credit courses include those toward an associate degree, industry-recognized credential/certificate, core curriculum, or field of study.
- Each semester, the District/School will identify and verify FAST-eligible students and share with the College by August 5.
- FAST-eligible students incur no cost; non-FAST students are charged $56.87 per scheduled credit hour or State-approved rate.
- The District/School covers all other educational costs for FAST students; the Parties will jointly inform families about the FAST program.
SECTION 7. TUITION
Students in dual credit courses will pay tuition as follows:
- Option 1: If the instructor is a College or District employee and is paid by the College, NON-FAST students pay the State-approved tuition.
- Option 2: If the course is taught by a qualified/approved District instructor and the College does not pay them, NON-FAST students pay $20 per credit hour and the District receives a $500 reimbursement per course section (min. 8 students required).
- Option 3: If the course is a technical (WECM) course taught by a District instructor with no College compensation, there is NO COST to the student.
Tuition and fees are subject to change by the College Board of Trustees or the State.
SECTION 8. COLLEGE FACULTY COMPENSATION
- Full-time College faculty: Compensated per contract.
- Adjunct instructors: Compensated at the current course rate.
SECTION 9. SYLLABUS, CURRICULUM, SUPPLIES, AND TEXTBOOKS
- Dual credit instruction must use identical or equivalent curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor as all College classes regardless of location/modality.
- A College Common Syllabus must be posted in Concourse for each dual credit course and include required elements, policies, and schedule.
- Dual credit courses will use identical/equivalent textbooks. The College is not responsible for providing textbooks. District/Schools and the College will consider open educational resources and review them collaboratively.
- Students not eligible for FAST must purchase required books/resources. Books/resources for FAST-eligible students will be provided at no cost by the District.
SECTION 10. LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES
Dual credit students and instructors may use School or College campus library resources, online library resources, and enjoy identical circulation and services as all College students/instructors.
SECTION 11. ACADEMIC ADVISING AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
A. Advising
- The College will provide adequate instructional support services, including advising and counseling, to dual credit students, in accordance with TX SB 1277 (2021) and will designate an advising contact. See Appendix G for common advising strategies and terminology.
- The District/School, in collaboration with the College, shall ensure compliance with SB 25 and SB 1324 regarding academic progress, degree plans, and course sequence publications.
Designated Advising Contact: Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs (shannon.williford@blinn.edu, 979-209-8218)
B. Support Services
Dual credit students have access to all College computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers.
SECTION 12. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
- Dual credit students must comply with all College policies and procedures, including the Student Code of Conduct (http://catalog.blinn.edu/).
- Students must comply with the College’s academic integrity regulations (link).
- If removed from class for incivility, the student must arrange a conference with the instructor before returning; see Board Policy FLB for further information.
SECTION 13. FUNDING AND PAYMENT
- Tuition and fees are due at registration (see Section 6). Payment plans are available. Failure to pay results in course drop.
- Financial Aid is not available to dual credit students (per CFR 668.7(a)(2)).
- State funding for dual credit is available to both District/School and College, per TEA and THECB rules. College can only claim funding for specified courses.
- Repeated course tuition: Students taking a class more than twice must pay tuition and $50/semester hour (technical courses and FAST-students are exempt).
- The College is not responsible for student transportation.
SECTION 14. RECORDS AND REPORTING
- The College will provide end-of-semester class rosters with grades to the School.
- Both Parties will maintain student records as required by Texas record retention laws and FERPA and designate each other as agents with legitimate educational interest for FERPA compliance.
- For dual credit courses, high school and college credit will be transcripted immediately upon course completion [TAC 19 §4.85(h)].
SECTION 15. CONFLICT RESOLUTION
The Parties will resolve issues in good faith and at the lowest possible administrative level, escalating through designated liaisons and, if necessary, to legal counsel. Communications and solutions will be summarized in writing.
SECTION 16. TERM AND TERMINATION
- Term: This Agreement commences on the Effective Date and expires at the end of Summer 2027. Extensions require mutual written agreement and governing board approval.
- Termination: Either Party may terminate with or without cause with 60 days’ written notice prior to semester’s end. Termination does not affect students already enrolled.
SECTION 17. GENERAL CONTRACT TERMS
- Entire Agreement: This Agreement and attached appendices are the entire agreement and supersede previous ones.
- Amendments: Only by written signatures of both Parties.
- Governing Law & Venue: Texas law governs, venue is Washington County, Texas.
- Notice: Written notice as specified in the Agreement to designated contacts (see text above for contact info).
- Relationship: The Parties are independent contractors; no agency, partnership, or joint venture is created.
- No Waiver: Delay or partial exercise of rights is not a waiver.
- Assignment: Neither Party may assign without written consent.
- Captions: Captions are for reference and do not define provisions.
- Severability: Invalid provisions do not affect the remainder.
- No Third Party Rights: This Agreement benefits only the Parties.
- Counterparts/Electronic Signatures: Electronic and counterpart execution is valid; communications may be by electronic means.
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:
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT
Mary Hensley, Ed.D.
Chancellor
Date: 7/26/2024
Round Top - Carmine High School
Superintendent: Brandon Schovajsa
Date: 7/26/2024
APPENDIX A: Grading System
College Grading Scale
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| A (90–100) | Excellent |
| B (80–89) | Good |
| C (70–79) | Average |
| D (60–69) | Poor |
| F (Below 60) | Failure |
| I | Incomplete |
| Q | Dropped |
| W | Dropped Due to Good Cause/Withdrawal |
| CR | Credit |
| P | Pass |
| NP | Not Passing |
| FS | Academic Fresh Start |
See Appendix A for complete policies, GPA calculations, grade changes, probation, and suspension procedures.
APPENDIX B: Dual Credit Approval Form (2024–25)
APPENDIX C: Notice of Reimbursement of Services
The College will reimburse $500 per approved dual credit course section taught by credentialed high school faculty (min. 8 students required). Payment issued by end of each long semester.
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 |
*High School course is subject to change.
** Each school district determines which courses they will offer as dual credit.
APPENDIX E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework via the College Board, offering credit via AP exam.
- Advising
- Individualized academic guidance for future education and career success.
- Dual Credit
- High school students take college level courses for both high school and college credit.
- Early Admissions
- College courses taken for college credit only by high school students.
APPENDIX F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Implement purposeful and collaborative outreach to students and parents regarding dual credit benefits/costs.
- Assist high school students in successful transition to and acceleration through postsecondary education.
- Ensure all dual credit students receive college readiness advising and support through college course completion.
- Ensure the rigor and quality of dual credit courses meets student needs for success in subsequent coursework.
- Collaboration efforts, information sessions, and resources are provided to students, parents, counselors, and community members.
- Advising and support services are available to all dual credit students including learning centers, disability services, and libraries.