Royal High School Technical
Royal ISD
A public independent school district and political subdivision of the State of Texas (sometimes hereinafter referred to as “District”), with an effective date of July 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, 29.184, and 130.008; and § 1 for Texas Administrative Code (TAC) requiring each school district to partner with a public higher education institution or chapter 4, subchapter D and 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 school program through Royal ISD.
NOW THEREFORE, for the mutual promises and covenants contained herein and upon good and valuable consideration, the Parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. GENERAL CRITERIA
- The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal rules, statutes, and administrative regulations, including but not limited to the following, where applicable:
- Applicable provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972;
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
- The Age Discrimination Act of 1975;
- The Americans with Disabilities Act;
- The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);
- The Texas Education Code; and
- The Texas Administrative Code.
- The College will designate a leadership team to be in charge of the management and supervision of the Dual Credit Program.
- The service area includes the following thirteen counties: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Waller and Washington Counties and portions of Milam, Montgomery, Robertson and Walker Counties.
- The College will ensure that dual credit courses follow the same quality, content, scope, and rigor as the courses taught by the College to other students. See the current course catalog published on the College’s website for further details.
School District Responsibilities
- The District shall provide information regarding the availability of the Dual Credit Program to students enrolled at the school and their parents or legal guardians. The District and College will coordinate to determine the instructional model and ensure information regarding dual credit opportunities is disseminated to students and families. See Appendix F, Dual Credit Statewide Goals.
- All College policies and procedures shall apply in accordance with relevant guidelines.
- Students must meet the College’s satisfactory academic performance in a course regarding the Dual Credit Program shall be determined by the College. The College will require the right to sit in school non-credit courses when taught at the College.
- The College will provide orientation/intake/interview, placement, and applicable advising and registration functions, including those for College accommodation due to a disability (with appropriate documentation for accommodation), and registration for courses, including but not limited to completion of student documentation. The student’s initial interview is the process for accommodation from the School/District with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at the College.
Student Responsibilities
- Students must provide the official Identification (ID) number assigned by the District/School and will be responsible for communicating with the students and parents on each campus (liaison responsibility if one person per assigned campus) and College level (Director, Dual Credit Program).
- Students must meet minimum requirements for high school graduation as defined by the School District. The student must be placed in the particular course of study regarding the Dual Credit Program as determined by the District. The College will serve qualified students in the program for the purpose of participating in the Dual Credit Program. A minimum of eight (8) students are required for each course offered in the Dual Credit Program in accordance with Applicable Law.
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Blinn College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Questions about Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. The College’s Title IX Coordinator is:
- Dr. Adrienne McCain, Title IX Coordinator
- 902 College Avenue,
Brenham, Texas 77833
Admin Building Room 219
adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu
979-830-4216
Blinn College District’s nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located at: https://www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT STATEMENT ON FRAUDULENT SERVICES
Any student who, because of their pregnancy or parenting status, may require special arrangements in order to meet academic requirements should contact the Blinn College District Title IX Coordinator. Please note that the instructor is not required to provide assistance in absence of a College accommodation through the Office of Disability Services (ODS) or the Title IX Office for official verification per College policy.
SECTION 2. DUAL CREDIT ADMISSION - STUDENTS; PARENTAL ACTIONS
- Students may attend the College during the semester in which the student demonstrates readiness for college. The following requirements for admission must be met:
- Obtaining written or electronic permission from the high school and Dual Credit Program Coordinator to participate as part of the Dual Credit Program. See Appendix C.
- Earning a “B” or better average in all high school work attempted or a “C” for WECM trades courses—blinn.edu/dual-credit/eligibility.htm; this can be either via the postal system or the College should allow the student the principal’s designee stating they College will hold any such minor or the course(s). Upon receiving the request, the College will determine if the student is eligible to register.
- Completing Services College Application through ApplyTexas.
- Meeting the following requirements of admission law:
- Have achieved or current TSI criteria for dual credit as determined by the THECB. TSI scores, exemptions, or waivers must be furnished for registration. Current eligibility scores and exemptions are available on the College’s website (https://www.blinn.edu/dual-credit/eligibilityrequirements.html).
SECTION 3. CLASSES AND SCHEDULES
- Prior to the start of each semester, the School will coordinate and finalize the anticipated College and School schedules for the next academic year. The School will submit the anticipated schedule of courses, College, and School data for the next school year to the District/School each year by May 1 for the beginning of the next school year. The School will submit the proposed course schedule for the next school year by July 20 to the beginning of the school year.
- All high school students enrolled in a standard academic credit dual credit course will follow the cancellation calendar regardless of dual credit/class location, course instructional modality, or District/School administration. School must cancel a class unless it is absolutely necessary. The College/School calendar precedes through the District/School administration upon consultation between the appropriate parties. The instructional time limit is made by arrangement with the Dual Credit School.
- Administered Dual Credit Program may take into account the number of eligible academic dual credit students or both the School’s and District’s preapproved under dual credit programs; or confirm such standards. See also Appendix C.
SECTION 4. FACULTY
- Per SACSCOC accreditation requirements, all College dual credit courses require the same requirements for credentialing guidelines issued by the College. An applicant interviewing instructor for a dual credit course must meet the particular requirements of the course prior to the beginning of instructional and periodically review facilities to ensure compliance.
- College and District/School representatives at each site will assess the facilities, determine the class size, and select the instructional modality.
SECTION 6. FINANCIAL AID FOR SWIFT TRANSFER (FAST) PROGRAM
The state of Texas has created the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program which provides funding to colleges so they can offer dual credit courses to educationally disadvantaged students at no cost to these students. The Texas Education Code (TEC) defines “educationally disadvantaged” students as those students who are eligible for the national free/reduced lunch program. These students are referred to as FAST eligible students.
Students are eligible students under the FAST program if they are currently:
- Enrolled in high school in a school district or charter school, and
- Enrolled in a dual credit course at a participating institution of higher education, and
- Was educationally disadvantaged at any time during the four school years preceding the student’s enrollment in the dual credit course described herein.
The Parties will work together to improve enrollment, ensuring all remaining educational costs for FAST eligible students enrolling in dual credit courses. These costs may include course fees, lab fees, instructional aids, dual material, textbooks, supplies, and credentialing fees.
The Parties will further work to develop and provide information to students and parents on the FAST program.
SECTION 7. TUITION
Students enrolled in dual credit courses in the Dual Credit Program will pay tuition and fees as outlined below:
Option 1: If an instructor who is a College or District employee scheduled class at a dual credit course at a public institution located locally; THEN, a non-FAST student enrolled in the applicable Dual Credit course:
- Will pay per credit hour (e.g., $67.00 for a three hour course, or $80 for a four (4) credit hour course).
- Additionally, under this option, the District will receive reimbursement of service payment of $500 for each course section of dual credit. A minimum of eight (8) students are required for each course in the Dual Credit Program
Option 3: If a qualified and approved district instructor employed by the District is utilized for a technical (WECM) dual credit course and the College pays no compensation to the instructor; THEN, the tuition for each student enrolled in that dual credit course is waived. THERE IS NO COST to the student for a College technical dual credit course taught on a high school campus by a School’s teacher.
The term “FAST” as hereinafter defined, this Agreement, the credit hours of Dual Credit courses shall be subject to change as established by the College’s Board of Trustees or the State of Texas.
SECTION 8. COLLEGE FACULTY COMPENSATION
A. Full-Time College faculty will be paid based on the rate for the course.
SECTION 9. SYLLABUS, CURRICULUM, SUPPLIES, AND TEXTBOOKS
- In accordance with THECB regulations and SACSCOC, Dual credit instruction must follow the same curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor as the course taught by the College to other students. The College reserves all rights, including instructors’ copyrights for course syllabi, as well as books, manuals, policies and instructors’ course notes.
- Dual credit courses will use identical or equivalent coursework, content, and curriculum. The College is not responsible for purchasing or making arrangements for the acquisition of textbooks for non-FAST students. Students identified as FAST eligible will incur the cost of required textbooks or additional resources purchased for the class(es). Cost of books and additional resources will be provided by the District.
SECTION 10. LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES
The College’s academic and library services may use the library resources offered by the School or any of the College Campuses. Students also have direct access to the internet via the College library resources. Circulation privileges and print, copying and research solutions are provided to all College students who are part of the Dual Credit Program in order to have access to library and learning services.
SECTION 11. ACADEMIC ADVISING AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
- The College will provide academic and integrated support services, including advising and test preparation, as needed to ensure dual credit with students. The parties shall take necessary actions to increase compliance with and entry advising requirements of TX SB 1277 (2021), including but not limited to designating at least one college employee from either institution to provide advising and advising to any student who enrolls in a dual enrollment course before beginning the course. Appendix E establishes common advising strategies and terminology related to dual credit and college advising.
- Support Services—Dual credit students may use the computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers on any of the College campuses.
SECTION 12. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
- Dual credit students must comply with College policies and procedures including, the Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the College Catalog.
- Students must comply with the College’s academic honesty guidelines (http://catalog.blinn.edu/content.php?catoid=4&navoid=118#scholastic-integrity-faculty-responsibility-and-student).
- If a student is asked to leave the classroom because of unethical behavior, the instructor must notify the class to claim that student arranges a conference for the instructor, the high school principal, and the parent or guardian for further instruction. For more information on incivility in student conduct, please refer to policy FLB.
SECTION 13. FUNDING AND PAYMENT
- Tuition and fee payments in the amount left tuition as fees collected are earned from the student registration. A payment plan is available per participant. Payment to the College is due prior to the date; all tuition and fees must be remitted before the student is enrolled in dual credit courses. Payments in full can be made via the online College portal each semester.
- The Higher Education Amendments of 1987 (P.L. 100-50) states, “A student who is enrolled in an eligible program at an eligible institution and is paid under subchapter IV; for any portion of such payment, the College must maintain the student’s financial aid compliance and that such payment be credited for the same period” [Compilation of Student Rights (CFR 668.72(a)(1)].
SECTION 14. RECORDS AND REPORTING
- The College will provide class rosters (listing the names and grades in a numerical format) for dual credit students in accordance with the applicable law at the close of each semester.
- Student Records; Record Retention: FERPA compliance: Both the School and the College will be responsible for maintaining student grades and records pertaining to both Dual Credit Program progress and assessment, with information required to establish eligibility to participate the FAST program.
SECTION 15. CONFLICT RESOLUTION
The Parties agree to resolve issues that may arise in the course of the partnership and shall participate in good faith in the event the contribution of disagreement is not substantial and is important to balance the interests. Should the conflict resolution authority be not agreed, the College is responsible to provide a quality dual credit program while also maintaining accreditation.
SECTION 16. TERM AND TERMINATION
- Term. The term of this Agreement shall continue except by mutual consent of both Parties until the end of each academic term or until the end of the second summer semester of 2027 (Expiration Date). Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Party may terminate the Agreement for a condition precedent to the Party’s signing the Agreement has not been met. Termination without Renewal must be by either Party upon written notice to the other Party, not later than sixty (60) days enrolled in the Dual Credit Program until such time as those students have completed the student experiences requirements for that semester. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either Party may terminate this Agreement for convenience.
- Governing Law; Venue. Any and such modifications and amendments in labor provisions shall not preclude further agreement by, and governing law. The laws of the State of Texas without regard to Texas law for any action under this Agreement.
- All notices hereunder permitted under the Texas Rules of Certified Mail, postage prepaid, or when delivered personally, when addressed as follows:
College:
Blinn College District
902 College Avenue
Brenham, Texas 77833
School District:
Name: Royal ISD
Address: 2114 FM, 359 Circle: Pattison, TX 77466
Contact or such other person as either party hereafter may designate as their representative under this Notice to the other.
- All notices hereunder permitted under the Texas Rules of Certified Mail, postage prepaid, or when delivered personally, when addressed as follows:
Other Terms
- No Waiver. No delay or failure by a Party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or any other instrument hereunder executed in connection herewith will impair any such right, power or privilege or be deemed to be a waiver of the rights exercisable upon such later event or occurrence.
- Assignments. Neither Party may transfer or assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party. Any such acts shall be null and void without proper written consent as required herein.
- Severance. The invalidity of any provision or section shall not affect the remainder of the Agreement; such provision being unenforceable but valid provision.
- No Third Party Rights. This Agreement is made solely for the benefit of the College and the District and their respective successors and permitted assigns. The Parties do not intend to confer any benefit or rights upon a third party by operation, implication, or otherwise, and nothing in this relationship in the nature of a third-party beneficiary or fiduciary.
SECTION 18: LIST OF APPENDICES
The following appendices are attached to and incorporated into this Blinn College Dual Credit Program Agreement:
- Appendix A: Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
- Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
- Appendix C: Vouchers for Teachers
- Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Reimbursement
- Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Appendix F: Dual Credit Statewide Goals
EXECUTED BY THE PARTIES as of the Effective Date of 7/30/2024.
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT
Mary Hensley, Ed.D.
Chancellor
Date: 7/30/2024
Royal ISD
Superintendent
Date: 7-29-2024
Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
Grades
At the end of each course, students shall receive a final grade that shall become a part of their permanent record. The College’s grading system shall apply to all courses:
| Grade | Grading Points per Semester Hour |
|---|---|
| A (90-100) - Excellent | 4 |
| B (80-89) - Good | 3 |
| C (70-79) - Average | 2 |
| D (60-69) - Poor | 1 |
| F (Below 60) - Failure | 0 |
| I - Incomplete | 0 |
| Q - Dropped | 0 |
| W - Dropped Due to Good Cause or Withdrawal from College | 0 |
| CR - Credit | 0 |
| P - Pass | 0 |
| NP - Not Passing | 0 |
| FS - Academic Fresh Start | 0 |
In the repeated case, a grade of "F" shall be used in determining the cumulative grade point average (GPA), except grade of "Q," "I," "NP," "P," "FS" in a higher repeated course but a repeated course shall replace a grade of "W".
All grades earned while enrolled in the College will be used in computing a student's course work point average (GPA), except coursework of I, W, Q, "P", "FS", and "Credit".
Computation of Semester Hour Credit: The computation of semester hour credit is based upon grade assigned to student. See Appendix A.
For questions regarding grade changes, call the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at (979) 830-4130. The student must initiate contact no later than the end of the next long semester (e.g., falling to spring, spring to summer, and summer to fall). If the next student does not do so, the grade shall stand.
Academic Course Guide Manual courses
| Course Number | Blinn College Course Title | High School TEKS Course* | College Credit | Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business | ||||
| ECON 2301 | Principles of Macro Economics | Economics | 3 | All Areas |
| ECON 2302 | Principles of Micro Economics | Economics | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1315 | Communication: Public Speaking | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1321 | Business & Professional Communication | Speech | 3 | All Areas |
| English/Language Arts | ||||
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | English III or IV | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 1302 | Composition II | English IV | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 2322 | British Literature I | English IV (with prerequisites of ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302) | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 2323 | British Literature II | English IV (with prerequisites of ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302) | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 2327 | Survey of American Literature | Determined by HS | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 2328 | Survey of American Literature II | Determined by HS | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 2332 | World Literature I | Determined by HS | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 2333 | World Literature II | Determined by HS | 3 | All Areas |
| Humanities/Arts | ||||
| ARCH 1301 | Architectural History I | Determined by HS | 3 | Business & Industry |
| Social Sciences | ||||
| HIST 1301 | US History I | US History (Junior year) | 3 | All Areas |
| HIST 1302 | US History II | US History (Junior year) | 3 | All Areas |
Glossary
- Advising
- Individualized or collaborative guidance for students in helping them chart an Advanced Placement and career goals.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- A program in which students can earn credit for a subject by testing each week.
- 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 be awarded an associate or bachelor's degree from the institution.
- Dual Credit
- High school students receive college-level courses, for both high school and college credit.
- Drop
- Request to be removed from a course while in progress. Dual credit students must request to be dropped from a class through the Blinn College Dual Credit Office.
- Early Admissions
- College-level courses taken by high school students for college credit only.
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- A federal law that protects the privacy of student records.
- Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM)
- A collection of list of courses approved for general academic transfer that may be offered by public two-year colleges for state funding.
- Math Placement Exam (MPE)
- Students can qualify by examination for math college placement.
- Courseware
- Courseware is an electronic course management tool for teaching and technical colleges.
- Course inventory or course inventory overview manual
- Provides conveniently matched and published searchable usage manual of pre-approved College technical courses listed with Instructional Specialists representing major levels of technical fields.
Dual Credit Statewide Goals
- Goal 1: Ensure that the implementation of Dual Credit is consistent with the standards, policies, and rules of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Education Agency.
- Measure of implementation: Documentation outlining efforts to inform all students and parents of the benefits and costs of dual credit, including outreach to students and parents.
Examples of implementation:- Collaboration between ISDs and the Blinn College Dual Credit Program to host informational sessions for students, parents and community partners on the benefits and cost of Dual Credit opportunities.
- Prospective Student Relations Advisors provided information about the College and dual credit opportunities at high school and community events.
- High School Counselor Workshops are provided for area high school counselors.
- Measure of implementation: Documentation outlining efforts to inform all students and parents of the benefits and costs of dual credit, including outreach to students and parents.
- Goal 2: Increase the percentage of high school students who successfully complete an associate degree, workforce certificate, or a postsecondary credential.
- Measure of implementation: Analysis of measures in place for comprehensive academic plans and successful completion of algebra II, advanced placement, and college-level mathematics in high school.
Examples of implementation:- The Office of Postsecondary Student Relations offers college tours.
- New Student Registration events are offered and students are advised, complete advisement, had the option to enroll in dual credit.
- Student graduation rate as a percentage related to traditional students, completion of degree or certificate program by dual credit alumni, and the completion of 15 or more credits of college coursework prior to high school graduation are measured, disaggregated by student sub-population.
- Measure of implementation: Analysis of measures in place for comprehensive academic plans and successful completion of algebra II, advanced placement, and college-level mathematics in high school.
- Goal 3: Ensure that all academic and technical dual credit courses follow the same curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor in all classes, regardless of location or modality.
- Measure of implementation: Analysis of performance in subsequent course work.
Examples:- Institutional research data showing student performance in college coursework.
- In accordance with THECB regulations and SACSCOC, Dual Credit instruction must follow the same curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor in all classes, regardless of location or modality.
- College readiness requirements are in place for students to be eligible to participate in dual credit, as the courses taken are taught at a college-level.
- Measure of implementation: Analysis of performance in subsequent course work.