Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville
Agreement for the Blinn College District Dual Credit Program
This Agreement between Blinn College District (College), a public community college district established under Chapter 130 of the Texas Education Code and a political subdivision of the State of Texas, and Hallsville ISD, a Texas Public Independent school district and political subdivision of the State of Texas, is effective as of June 1, 2024 ("Effective Date").
Recitals
- WHEREAS, Texas Education Code (TEC) §§ 28.009, 22.148, 28.147, and 130.008, and 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 4, Subchapter D and Chapter 9, Subchapter H authorize the District and College to establish a dual credit program.
- WHEREAS, Hallsville ISD desires to establish and maintain a dual credit program (Dual Credit Program) with the College for enrolled students.
- WHEREAS, the College and the District desire to deliver high school graduation credit and college credit simultaneously.
Section 1. General Information
A. Blinn College District (the College)
- The College will designate a leadership team to coordinate the program and provide resources and support.
- Courses may be offered in person, online, or through interactive video (IVC).
- Courses will follow policies established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's (THECB) Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) and Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM).
- Courses available depend on available qualified instructors and approval by the District/School and the College.
B. The School
- School is responsible for maintaining a learning atmosphere and classroom facilities comparable to those offered by the College.
- School will provide instructional technology and auxiliary equipment as required.
- School will assist with professional personnel and provide supervision during class sessions.
C. Applicable Law
Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program in compliance with applicable laws, rules, and guidelines as published by relevant authorities. The Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas.
- The College and the District agree to meet all applicable laws and standards.
- The College is subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), FERPA, and all privacy and civil rights laws.
Blinn College District Notice of Nondiscrimination
Blinn College District does not discriminate on any basis prohibited by law, including sex, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, or age in admission or employment.
Inquiries 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.
Blinn College District Statement on Parenting Services
Any student who, because of their pregnancy or parenting status, requires academic or other accommodations should contact the Parenting Services Office.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission - Student's Required Actions
Students must meet the following requirements:
- Obtain written or electronic permission from the high school principal or designee.
- Meet eligibility and readiness requirements as set by the College and state authorities, including assessment and placement testing (such as TSIA2) or demonstrating compliance with alternatives.
- If underage, comply with Blinn College District’s FERPA policy and procedures.
- Have maintained a grade level high school GPA, as required by the College.
- Provide satisfactory evidence of immunization for bacterial meningitis or exemption as required by law.
- Homeschool students must meet all admissions requirements.
Section 3. Classes and Scheduling
- Prior to the start of each semester, the College will coordinate and finalize the program schedule with the School.
- Course scheduling is dependent upon instructor availability and sufficient enrollment.
- Dual credit students may be limited to registration in courses directly applicable to their academic plan.
- Class locations and times will be determined and announced before scheduling.
- For college-face-to-face instruction, an appropriate minimum enrollment is required as determined by the College and the School.
- Dual credit courses may be comprised of students from multiple institutions and school sites.
- Academic credit for dual credit courses will be awarded according to College policies and requirements.
Section 4. Faculty
- College-assigned dual credit faculty must meet credentialing guidelines.
- Dual credit instructors are subject to orientation, training, and ongoing professional development.
- Instructional delivery and student evaluation will conform to College standards.
- Dual credit faculty compensation is per College policies.
Section 5. Facilities
- Courses provided at educational facilities controlled by the District/School must meet accreditation guidelines.
- Classroom, lab, and technology resources must be sufficient for course delivery and assessment.
Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
- Students who qualify for the FAST program may receive assistance with dual credit tuition.
- To be eligible:
- Be enrolled in high school and in a dual credit course during the FAST program verification period.
- Be economically disadvantaged or participating in a high school program in partnership with the College.
Section 7. Tuition
Students certified in dual credit courses will pay tuition according to College policy, unless payment is waived as specified.
- Option 1:
- If an instructor is a College or District employee, students pay the state of Texas approved tuition rate for the current year.
- Option 2:
- If a faculty-approved instructor is not available, and another approved instructor is hired, then tuition may be higher.
- Option 3:
- If a qualified instructor cannot be identified, the course may not be offered.
*During the Term, the credit hour tuition and fee schedule may change as established by the College's Board of Trustees or the State of Texas.
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
- Part-time College faculty will be compensated for all courses they teach.
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, and Textbooks
- All courses will adhere to College-approved curriculum and required textbooks.
- Resource costs may be covered by students or the District/School as determined.
- Dual credit instructors manage instructional supplies according to College policy.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
- Students and instructors may use College library resources.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
- Dual credit students have access to the College's academic support services.
- The designated advising contact for dual credit for the College is:
Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs
979-209-8218
shannon.williford@blinn.edu
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- Students must comply with College policies including the Student Code of Conduct.
- Students are subject to campus-wide academic integrity expectations.
- Should a student need to leave the classroom, parents must coordinate with both the School and the College.
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fees from multiple sources may be used to fund dual credit courses.
- Payment schedules and structures are determined annually.
- High school students are generally ineligible for state or federal financial aid, except as authorized by law.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- Class rosters and student grades will be provided to the School accordingly.
- Records are maintained per the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- Credit is awarded based on successful completion and requirements met.
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
Conflicts shall be resolved at the lowest level possible. The parties will cooperate to resolve disputes relating to the administration of the dual credit program.
Section 16. Term and Termination
- The Agreement commences on the Effective Date and will continue through the mutually agreed upon term or until terminated by either party with appropriate notice.
- Either party may terminate this Agreement for any reason with written notice.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- This is a complete agreement, superseding all previous agreements.
- Any amendment must be in writing and signed by both parties.
- Governing Law: State of Texas.
- Notices:
- College: Blinn College District, 902 College Avenue, Brenham, Texas 77833
- School: Hallsville ISD, 311 Willow Street, Hallsville, Texas 75650
Section 18. List of Appendices
The following appendices are attached 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: Notice of Reimbursement of Services
- Appendix D: Dual Credit Crosswalk
- Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Appendix F: Dual Credit Statewide Goals
Executed by the Parties as of the Effective Date: 8/1/2024
- College:
- Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor, Blinn College District
- School:
- Superintendent, Hallsville ISD
- This MOU only applies to TVAH students, not all HISD students, and payment will be made by ISD.
Appendix A: Regarding Grading System
Grades at the end of each semester will be as follows:
- A (90-100) - Excellent
- B (80-89) - Good
- C (70-79) - Average
- D (60-69) - Poor F (Below 60) - Failing
- I - Incomplete
- Q - Dropped
- W - Dropped from College or Withdrawal from College
- CR - Credit
- NC - Not Passing
- FS - Academic Fresh Start
Incomplete grades must be resolved within 90 days; otherwise, a grade of zero is assigned. A “Q” is assigned for official course drops by the published deadline.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The highest grade of a repeated course is used for GPA calculation. Grade points per semester hour:
| Grade | Grade Points per Semester Hour |
|---|---|
| A | 4 |
| B | 3 |
| C | 2 |
| D | 1 |
| F, I, Q, W, CR, P, NP, FS | 0 |
Academic Good Standing
Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Students falling below this will be placed on scholastic probation.
Scholastic Probation or Suspension
- If GPA falls below 2.0, student is placed on scholastic probation.
- Subsequent low GPA will result in continued probation or suspension.
Appendix B: Dual Credit/Early Admission Course Approval Form (2024-25)
[Form for student, parent/guardian, high school principal/designee, and college designee signature and course details.]
Appendix C: Notice of Reimbursement of Services
Memorandum related to reimbursement to the District for services provided in teaching a College Dual Credit course.
Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
** High School course is subject to change. College number listed only; high school course is determined and approved by the High School.
| Course Number | Blinn College Course Title | High School TEKS Course | College Credit | Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECON 2301 | Principles of Macro Economics | Determined by HS | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1315 | Public Speaking | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
Appendix E: Advising Terminology
Key advising terms as per SB 1276:
- Advanced Placement (AP): College-level coursework for high school credit.
- Advising: Individualized process to guide students.
- Degree Plan: Outline of required courses to earn a degree.
- Drop: Removal from a course via written request.
- FERPA: Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.
- ACGM: Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual.
- WECM: Workforce Education Course Manual.
Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
Per HB 1638, state goals for dual credit are:
- Collaboration between ISDs and colleges to share information about dual credit opportunities.
- Prospective dual credit students and parents know about these opportunities via high school counselors and websites.
- Dual credit students are advised about required coursework and enrollment procedures.
- The quality and rigor of dual credit courses are evaluated by ongoing performance analysis.