Royal Early College High School
Royal ECHS Memorandum of Understanding
August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2026
Memorandum of Understanding Between Blinn College District And Royal Independent School District
This document is executed as a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between Blinn College District ("Blinn") and Royal Independent School District ("RISD"). Blinn and RISD have a mutual and shared interest in cooperating to provide supported access to dual credit college courses and other activities for college success for eligible 13/14 students ("13/14") for participation of its Early College High School (ECHS) site(s), enter the following MOU for the 2025-26 Academic Year. Collectively the parties are referred to as "Parties".
WHEREAS, the parties desire to provide enrollment in college courses, as allowed for by Rule 4.85 of THECB rules.
WHEREAS, the parties to this MOU desire to follow the collaboration of roles stated in memoranda and in accordance with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board ("THECB") rules, as codified under Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter G of the Texas Administrative Code.
WHEREAS, RISD and Blinn are willing and able to perform their assigned roles in the program for ECHS under discussed terms.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties to this MOU mutually agree to the following:
Purpose
The RISD ECHS, serving grades 9-14, will offer traditionally underserved students (at-risk, economically disadvantaged students, students who are English language learners, and first generation college students) an opportunity to complete a high school diploma and earn up to an Associate degree. When attending the ECHS, these students will develop a commitment to learning, a capacity for critical thinking, an understanding of their future roles in civic leadership, and the academic and technical skills necessary to achieve success in college and their chosen careers. Students graduating from the ECHS will enter post-secondary education and/or training with significant advanced standing.
Principles
- To establish a mutually beneficial partnership between Blinn and RISD that allows a flexible and creative response to the missions and organizational/ fiscal needs of both institutions.
- To collaborate in the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of ECHS programs, including provision for faculty, staff, and student input.
- To provide rigorous college readiness and early college credit access.
- To explore collaboratively ways to address the DOS of both institutions in the areas of funding, marketing, admissions and student services, curriculum, scheduling, accreditation, research, facilities, and technology, while supporting the dual credit experience for students.
- To create alignment of curriculum and instructional supports to promote ECHS program goals and pathways.
- RISD ECHS students are encouraged to seek opportunities provided by Blinn to participate in campus, academic, and extracurricular activities in addition to those provided at RISD.
- To promote student success through participation in college visits and in academic and admission procedures, including advisement, registration procedures, assessment and placement procedures, at Blinn. In addition, weekend, Saturday, or summer programs and activities, and extracurricular activities may be offered by RISD, Blinn, or both.
- To ensure the selection of students in the intent of the program, a selection that will reflect the diversity and characteristics as defined by RISD and supported by TEA or THECB.
Term
Subject to the approval of the Program application by TEA, any additional approvals that may be required from THECB, and annual approval as required by law or Board, and after the Board has signed this MOU ("Commencement Date") shall last from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026 ("Expiration Date"). A party may signify the MOU is approved at the Agreement by that Party's governing Board.
The program will begin with students entering the 13/14 grades in Fall, or as designated by TEA ("Initial Term"). Upon mutual written agreement by the Parties and approval by the Boards, the Parties may renew this Agreement for successive one-year renewals. This MOU and any written amendments shall be submitted to TEA and THECB as required. All parties agree that any amendments to this MOU must be in writing and signed by the authorized representatives of both parties in order to be valid and effective.
If either party should choose to discontinue their participation in the program, that party will provide written notice to the other with rationale and a reasonable transition period after providing timely and formal notification to all parties. All parties may object to a candidate recommended to serve as Principal or ECHS Coordinator including making a request for removal to the Advisory Board.
Coordination
The Royal Collegiate ECHS Coordinator will be appointed by the Superintendent of RISD. The Coordinator will be an employee of RISD. RISD will be responsible for payment of benefits, if any, to the Coordinator, and the Coordinator shall not be entitled to receive employee benefits such as, but not limited to, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, health insurance, Social Security or retirement benefits. RISD assumes full responsibility for workers' compensation and insurance for payment of all staff federal, state and local taxes or contributions, including, but not limited to, unemployment insurance, Medicare and income taxes with respect to the Coordinator. Should the designated Coordinator position become vacant and the need to appoint a new Coordinator arise, following all RISD Human Resources Policies and Procedures, Blinn will have the opportunity to be represented in the interview and selection process. Blinn shall be included in student records access as signing the Coordinator as such to a qualified candidate is necessary.
An adequately assigned to Blinn dual credit courses will receive the same consideration as defined for other faculty by fiscal agent, if assigned at multiple locations, by fiscal agent, and/or as a District employee, as assigned. Blinn faculty member teaching dual credit courses who experiences circumstances such as an extraordinary emergency, ethical violation or criminal act, will be held to the standards of Blinn faculty, including, but not limited to: employment background checks, hiring, performance and teaching assumptions, student issues of harassment/misbehavior, procuring TRS and deductions. Full consideration will be given to appropriately credential and assign instructors as the district and Blinn agree.
Location
RISD will offer courses at the Royal High School campus (including students transported to the Royal Learning Center) for students served in 9th-12th grades.
Approved locations and delivery methods include:
- RHS campus
- Internet Delivery, including hybrid
- Blinn campus
Academic dual credit courses will occur at local high school sites (school) (site) of academic dual credit students or (if both dual credit students and advanced placement students). In the case of technical classes being delivered through the Dual Credit initiative, the course must be in alignment (2 sessions) and (2 out of 2 or 3 of 5, etc.) as per Blinn crosswalk as agreed upon by both parties.
In accordance with THECB regulations and SACSCOC, Dual Credit instruction must be the same in curriculum, materials, rigor and instructor credentials as college courses offered to college students.
Curriculum Alignment
RISD is responsible for ensuring that dual credit courses meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. Courses will closely follow the standards set by the THECB.
For each course and delivery through the Dual Credit initiative, the Program Director and Coordinator will coordinate with Blinn officials to confirm the crosswalk and course assignment for all 13/14 students. Students must be eligible to enroll in dual credit courses and all courses must comply with the alignment of curriculum, curriculum approval, and other curriculum, as recommended and supported by Blinn and RISD.
Course syllabi for high school programs will be under the authority of RISD and Blinn. The ECHS will be responsible for procuring course materials, including college textbooks, for students enrolled in policies or processes at Blinn.
See Appendix A: Crosswalk for additional information on the Blinn Grading Policy.
Instructional Materials
Instructional materials for high school courses will be under the authority of RISD. Instructional materials will be provided for all approved courses as specified by the TEC, the High School curriculum and teacher syllabi.
Students enrolled in Blinn courses will use coordinate materials to reduce college textbooks. The ECHS will be responsible for providing appropriate materials, including college textbooks, when agreed upon in policies or processes at Blinn.
Courses of Study
Courses of study will be designed to increase college preparation, post-secondary academics, or include more widely applied and in-demand workforce or endorsement programs of study or industry credentialing certificates.
Student Eligibility and Entrance
- ECHS students will meet the following criteria:
- ACHIEVE and/or the Texas Success Initiative college placement exam in order to enroll in college courses.
- Meet academic readiness policies for high school and college as offered through college readiness initiatives and policies at both institutions.
Grading Policies
Grading policies and processes for college credit courses will be under the authority of Blinn. Blinn grading practices are on a semester rotation. The Course Catalog, syllabi and policies at Blinn will determine the grading practices. Grades for college credit coursework will be provided to RISD each semester the week following final exams.
See Appendix D for additional information on the Blinn Grading Policy.
Eligible Courses
- Courses approved for dual credit for an ECHS student must be applicable to a college certificate or degree.
- Developmental courses are not available for dual credit students.
- Kinesiology courses that count toward the high school graduation physical education requirement will not be counted as college dual credit.
Administration of Statewide Assessments - Subchapter B, Chapter 39
The ECHS staff will comply with State Board of Education policy for administration of the assessment instruments as required by TEC 39.023, Chapter 39. In addition, the ECHS staff administer the Texas Success Initiative college placement exam to all students to assess college readiness before students enroll in dual credit courses.
ECHS students will be required to participate in the appropriate end-of-course assessment as determined for each course including: I. Biology, English I, English II, and the United States History end of course (EOC) assessments.
Student Services
- ECHS students will be provided adequate information regarding college, including advising and counseling, access to the use of computers, laboratories, library, eCampus Orientation, Disability Services, Counseling, Testing Center, and Library, in accordance with the needs of ECHS students.
- Blinn services and support contact:
Sharon Wilford, Director, Advising
swilford@blinn.edu
- B. ECHS students may use the computer labs, writing centers, library, eCampus Orientation, and use any of the College's campuses and where available online.
- C. Disability services are available to ECHS students in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), the ADA, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for college courses for dual credit.
Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The state refers to these as the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program which "provides financial assistance for enrollment in eligible dual credit courses to economically disadvantaged Texas public high school students." The program provides for funding for students who are eligible students whose tuition and fees will be paid for through FAST if they:
- Are enrolled in grades 9-12 in a public high school in Texas (including an open-enrollment charter school);
- Are enrolled in a dual credit course identified for the program as described in Texas Education Code, 28.009, Subsection (b-1) as interpreted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB);
- Students are eligible students who attest to being educationally disadvantaged (defined in Texas Education Code, 29.081, Subsection (d)) and submit documentation to the school district to verify FAST eligibility. In order to prepare and submit this roster, the ISD agrees to identify and verify to Blinn the students enrolling in ECHS that meet FAST eligibility requirements for the FAST program. This verification shall occur by August 4th.
Students are eligible to enroll at no cost in a dual credit course under the FAST program if the student meets the following:
- Is enrolled in high school in a school district or eligible student under subdivision 1.
- And the ISD will retain tuition credit for a FAST-eligible student and higher education.
- Was educationally disadvantaged at any time during the prior or current school years preceding the student's enrollment in the dual credit courses described by Subdivision (l)(b)(2).
- The school will work together to verify FAST-eligibility of dual credit students.
- For non-FAST eligible students enrolled in ECHS, students enrolled in ECHS, the ISD students will be charged no more in ECHS. These rates cover tuition rate for the State of Texas approved tuition rate for dual credit courses, lab fees, IAV/Course materials, etc.
The ISD and Blinn will provide timely communication to students and parents about the FAST program.
Payment arrangement will be the responsibility of RISD. ECHS students will not have returned checks or fees if properly enrolled by the school. Students retain federal, state, and need-based financial aid privileges if accepted into college programs.
If RISD is unable to collect payment or cover payment for a student for a class, that student will be removed from enrollment as per institutional guidelines and policy.
Building a College Culture
RISD and Blinn will establish a learning community that blends high school and college, instilling a school culture emphasizing seamless transitions. ECHS students will: develop a four-year high school graduation plan and post-secondary plan; participate in high school credit classes and college credit classes for which students receive both high school and college credit; and participate in an advising program which provides college admissions guidance, career counseling, college and career planning (including financial aid and employability to undergraduate leadership for all college credit offered and earned). When necessary RISD with assistance from Blinn will develop individual student intervention plans to assist students in maintaining eligibility, academic progress and successful completion of courses.
ECHS students will be expected to follow the Blinn Netiquette/Protocol and Blinn Student Code of Conduct as specified online at:
https://www.blinn.edu/online/netiquette.html
https://www.blinn.edu/student-services/student-rights/responsibilities.html
All dual credit students enrolled at the ECHS staff will sign and will be provided a Student Code of Conduct. All student and adult visitors are expected to meet the High School disciplinary and academic information, including TSI readiness by grade level, SAT/ACT and PSAT scores, number of hours taken and credits earned, GPAs, results of state assessments, and any other data necessary to assess program effectiveness in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA").
The Parties agree to maintain the records of students in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. In accordance with the FERPA (20 U.S.C. §1232g) Blinn and RISD Board Policies, all records relating to information maintained by either institution or authorized designees, including student records, registration and payment information, and eligibility and participation in other programs, will be kept confidential as required by law. Records of students' performance in college credit courses, including grades and other pertinent interest in their studies will be released to teachers of ECHS. In support of monitoring activities the parties have each appointed personnel for communication. Each institution shall have staff with view-only rights as needed for the purposes of instructional alignment.
Records related to teacher qualifications will be maintained by RISD and Blinn in accordance with current policies of those entities and all laws. Blinn support and administrative records will be maintained in approval of RISD ECHS milestones.
Evaluation
Each party will cooperate in the collection and sharing of student data (including demographic information, enrollment, degree/certificate completion, GPA and hours earned) for the purposes of ongoing program evaluation and state/federal accountability, as allowable by law and with appropriate consent.
ECHS students who do not meet established dual credit entrance requirements will not be enrolled in dual credit classes. Students will be offered additional opportunities for meeting these requirements. Students who persistently fail to maintain academic good standing or do not complete coursework (for any reason) may be required to return to the comprehensive high school to complete the remainder of their graduation requirements. All support will be offered at the parental approval of RISD ECHS Administration.
Discontinuation
Day to day costs, such as transportation to and from the campus, will be the responsibility of RISD.
Discontinuation of the ECHS program will only be granted at the end of a grade level cohort, or when present or future laws, budget finds or actions by the governing board of either party, or other issues that make continuation impossible. Discontinuation of the program will not be prior to the graduation of students enrolled in the program to ensure planning for graduation, and meet the qualified needs of the final cohort in the program until complete discontinuation of the program.
Severability
If any clause or provision of this agreement is determined to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable all other terms and provisions remain valid and enforceable under the law. If any clause or provision hereof is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, under applicable law, such provision or part thereof shall be ineffective to the extent of such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remainder of the agreement.
Termination
This agreement may be terminated by either party on not less than ninety (90) days written notice to the other party, prior to the expiration of the term or any renewal terms of this agreement, whichever is earlier. In the event of termination during the initial term of this agreement, the effective date of termination shall be as of August 1 following notice. It is the intent of both parties to provide sufficient time for students to finish a cohort or course and to provide for a reasonable transition for any students affected by the termination.
Addendums
The following appendices are attached to and incorporated into this ECHS Memorandum of Understanding:
- Appendix A: Crosswalk
- Appendix B: Advising Terminology
- Appendix C: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Appendix D: Blinn Grading Policy
Signatures
EXECUTED BY THE PARTIES as of the Effective Date of August 1, 2025, by:
- BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT
- Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor
9/11/2025 - ROYAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
- Dr. Megan Pap, Superintendent
9/9/2025
Appendix A: Crosswalks
Appendix B: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP) – College-level coursework designed by the College Board which upon successful completion allows the student to earn college credit with a qualifying score on an Advanced Placement exam.
- Advising – Individualized academic guidance for students to help them select their future educational and career goals.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP) – Students can earn credit by examination by taking the CLEP exam.
- Contact Hours – The total number of hours a class meets each week.
- Degree Plan – A statement of the course of study requirements that an undergraduate student at an institution of higher education must complete to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree from the institution.
- Dual Credit – High school students take college level courses, both for high school credit only (i.e., not counted for college credit), or for high school AND college credit.
- Early College High School (ECHS) – Students may earn an associate's degree through the Blinn College Dual Credit program.
- Grade – College level courses keep their letter grades as shown in their catalog.
- Transcript – An official record of a student’s academic performance and course work.
- Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM) – Provides workforce education course descriptions.
Appendix C: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
As per HB 1638 (85th Legislature, 2017) below is the alignment of state goals for dual credit:
- Collaboration between ISDs and the Blinn College Dual Credit Program to host informational sessions for students, parents and community members on the benefits and cost of dual credit, including enrollment and fee policies.
- Proactive Student Relations Advisors provide information about the path to postsecondary success at high school counselor workshops. High School Counselor Workshops are provided for each region through higher education information about department/programs and College support services if needed.
- College advisors and counselors will assist high school students in the successful transition to and acceleration through postsecondary programs.
- The quality and rigor of dual credit courses will be continuously improved to ensure student success in subsequent coursework.
Measures of implementation:
- Advising and career counseling are provided for all dual credit students.
- Dual credit students have access to the Learning and Writing Centers (online and in-person), eCampus Orientation, Disability Services, Counseling, the Testing Center, Libraries and Open Computer Labs.
Examples:
- Institutional research data showing student improvement in college credit.
- In accordance with THECB regulations, and SACSCOC, Dual Credit instruction must be the same in curriculum, materials, rigor, and instructor credentials as college courses offered to college students.
- Dual credit grading requirements are in place for a student to receive dual credit as outlined in the course catalogs, transfer guides, advising, and at a college-level.
Appendix D: Blinn Grading Policy
Blinn Board Policy (EGJLOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
The Board shall establish policies to provide for awarding credit for grades received and transfer.* *These provisions shall include the reporting of grades that reflects the calculation of a student’s grade point average (GPA), the classification of students based on the number of credits or transfer, student authorities of performance, and grade withdrawal procedures. For classes, grade point averages will be calculated in the College District catalog. The Chancellor shall develop procedures to implement the grading and credit procedures adopted by the Board. [For class rank calculations and honors, see EIC(LOCAL).]
Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
| Grade | Range | Grade Points per Semester Hour |
|---|---|---|
| A | 90-100 | 4 |
| B | 80-89 | 3 |
| C | 70-79 | 2 |
| D | 60-69 | 1 |
| F | Below 60 | 0 |
| Q | Dropped | |
| W | Withdrawn | |
| NP | Non-Pass | |
| IP | In Progress |
Only grades earned at Blinn will be used in calculating a student’s Blinn College Graduation GPA which must be at least 2.0 for a student to be eligible to receive an Associate degree or certificate.
Academic Good Standing
To be considered in academic good standing with the College District, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C). A 2.0 cumulative grade average is the minimum required for receipt of a degree or certificate.
Scholastic Probation or Suspension
A student who falls below a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the end of any semester or summer school will be placed on scholastic probation. A student who fails to achieve a minimum 2.0 semester and cumulative GPA at the end of subsequent term (Fall and/or Spring) enrolls will be placed on scholastic suspension. A student with a semester GPA (or grade average) and cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 will remain on scholastic probation but will be placed on scholastic probation at the end of the long semester unless successful completion of the following semester occurs. Students placed on suspension must appeal to the Blinn College District Blue Account and will be removed from suspension when probation requirements are met. All appeals for readmission or reinstatement due to scholastic probation and suspension must be submitted in writing to the Blinn College District Blue Account and will be reviewed by the Blinn College District Blue Account and will review and return the official notification. If the student has chosen not to return, suspension will remain in effect.
See: https://www.blinn.edu/admissions/academic-regulations/pdf/Scholastic-Probation-or-Suspension.pdf