Waller Blinn Dual Credit Agreement
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 Waller Independent School District (Waller ISD or the District), a Texas Public independent school district and political subdivision of the State of Texas (District), with an effective date of August 1, 2023 (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 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 at Waller ISD High School (the 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
- The College will designate a leadership team to be in charge of the management and supervision of the Dual Credit Program.
- The Blinn College service area includes the following thirteen counties: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Waller and Washington Counties 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 those courses taught to the institution's other students. [Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) standard]
- In accordance with Applicable Law (as hereinafter defined), the College will offer dual credit courses listed in the current edition of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's (THECB) Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) and Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM). Courses offered in each semester shall be determined by the College and agreed upon by the District. Courses provided by the College under this Agreement shall be consistent with the educational purpose, mission, and goals of the College and shall be under the direct control of the College. Developmental courses are not available to dual credit students. Kinesiology courses that count towards the high school graduation physical education requirement will not be offered to dual credit students.
- Dual credit courses may be offered during any semester in a location and classroom mutually agreed upon by the District and College. The College will seek every opportunity to use the available technology as appropriate to support dual credit sites.
- The District is responsible for ensuring that dual credit courses meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. A course equivalency crosswalk will be used to equate high school courses with college courses. Such crosswalk identifies the number of credits that may be earned for each course completed through the Dual Credit Program. It will also provide an alignment of endorsements offered by the School District and its corresponding dual credit course. As per SB 1276 from 2019, endorsements offered by the District, and dual credit courses offered under the Agreement that apply towards those endorsements, with postsecondary pathways and credentials at the institution and industry certifications. Information on postsecondary pathways and industry certifications are available on the College website under Degree Programs. The TEA graduation Toolkit offers information on graduation, college and career resources among others, and can be used as a reference by counselors, students, and families. See Appendix C, Dual Credit Course Crosswalk.
- All College prerequisites must be met and all College course sequencing shall be followed.
- A participating student's satisfactory academic performance in a course provided under the Dual Credit Program shall be determined in accordance with Blinn College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL), which is attached in Appendix A.
- The College reserves the right to set a minimum number of students for enrollment in each course. If this minimum is not met, the College reserves the right to cancel the course.
- The College strongly encourages dual credit students taking classes online to have an in-school time scheduled to work with a School proctor.
B. The District
- The District is responsible for providing a learning atmosphere and classroom facilities comparable to the ones offered on the College campus, regardless of modality of instruction.
- The District will provide instructional technology and other auxiliary equipment typically used in support of classroom instruction.
- The District will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment to meet requirements for dual credit classes that are offered.
- The District will assign professional-level personnel, as applicable and as agreed upon between the Parties, who will be responsible for identifying, advising, and verifying prospective students' eligibility to participate in the Dual Credit Program in accordance with Applicable Law.
- The District will assign trained professional-level personnel, as applicable and as agreed upon between the Parties, to assist with College registration functions, including but not limited to, completing and collecting appropriate admissions forms, and collecting student documentation.
- The College and the District will adhere to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. The District will be responsible for implementing policies and procedures to enable students to identify disability needs and to provide academic accommodations for dual credit students, if applicable. It is the student's responsibility to initiate the process for Disability Service course accommodations and turn in the documentation to the Office of Disability Services at the College.
- Whereas the College will follow existing College Board of Trustees policies with regard to assigning a grade for College credit in the dual credit courses, if the College grading scale differs from the District's grading scale, the District will provide participating students with a comparative document displaying both the College grading scale and the District's grading scale. See Appendix A.
- Although a student may pass a College class with a grade of D, the District will be responsible for communicating to students and parents that under 19 TAC § 74.26(c), credit for courses for high school graduation may be earned only if the student received a grade which is the equivalent of 70 on a scale of 100, based upon the essential knowledge and skills for each course. See Appendix A.
- Dual credit students are not affected by the provisions of TEC §51.907. Therefore, dual credit students with Q drops will be recorded as a W and will not be penalized as one of the allowed six-state-drops, as defined in Appendix A.
C. Applicable Law
The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program and perform their obligations under this Agreement in compliance with the applicable federal, State, and local laws, implementing regulations, executive orders, interpreting authorities, and administrative rules and requirements, including, but not limited to:
- Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1974;
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
- Age Discrimination Act of 1975;
- Americans with Disabilities Act;
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA);
- Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965; and Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act;
- Texas constitution; Texas Education Code provisions;
- State and federal laws regarding reporting of child abuse, crimes, sexual molestation of students;
- State record retention laws;
- Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code (relevant chapters);
- TEA guidelines and requirements, including the Student Attendance Accounting Handbook and Financial Accountability System Resource Guide;
- THECB guidelines and requirements;
- Accrediting agency rules as applicable.
The foregoing as set forth in this Section 1.C and any other laws, rules, and guidelines applicable to the subject matter of this Agreement collectively shall be referred to as "Applicable Law" or "Applicable Laws."
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission - Student's Required Actions
- Students may attend the College during the semester in which the student demonstrates readiness for College-level courses or otherwise is eligible in accordance with Applicable Law. The following requirements for admission must be met:
- Obtaining written or electronic permission from the high school principal or the principal's designee (steps outlined in the Dual Credit Approval Form, Appendix B).
- Earning a "B" or better average in all high school work attempted or a "C" for WECM trades courses. (If the student has a lower average, the District and College will work together on approval process.)
- Completing a College Application for admission through ApplyTexas.
- Providing a high school transcript indicating course work completed up to the time of enrollment in the College.
- Meeting the requirements of Applicable Law:
- Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment criteria as determined by the THECB and meet all the College’s and District’s standards of enrollment. Scores, exemptions, or waivers must be furnished by the District or student on an official document prior to registration. See current eligibility.
- Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine as required, unless classes are exclusively at a District facility or completely online. In-person on Blinn College campus requires proof. More info.
- Students enrolled in private or non-accredited secondary schools, or who are home-schooled must meet all admission requirements.
Section 3. Classes and Schedules
- The College will coordinate and finalize the proposed course schedule with the District prior to start of each semester. District submits proposed schedule and anticipated number of students per course for the next school year by April 1 (for College instructors) and May 15 (for District instructors).
- All high school students enrolled in a College academic dual credit class will follow the official College calendar, regardless of location or modality. Cancellations processed through District administration in consultation with the College. Makeup instructional time as needed.
- Students may take the number of academic classes permitted by Applicable Law. The College's Dual Credit Program administrator will confer with District representatives as needed.
- Academic dual credit courses must be taught in classes composed (1) solely of academic dual credit students, or (2) both dual credit and advanced placement students (or blended technical for technical classes).
- Face-to-face courses: minimum class size required, may be met with students from District and/or other districts. If minimum enrollment not met, instructional alternatives will be discussed.
- If the College provides face-to-face instruction on the District's campus, students may not take the same course online except under extenuating circumstances.
Section 4. Faculty
- College dual credit courses follow the same credentialing guidelines as regular College faculty. District instructor-hired faculty must follow same application and vetting processes. All dual credit faculty complete orientation.
- Faculty compensation as outlined in Section 6.
- College's academic leadership oversees, supervises, and evaluates instructional delivery. This does not alter employment status or create liability beyond each institution’s employees.
- Criminal History Background Check Requirements:
The College certifies all employees and contractors with direct student contact have passed a national criminal history background review as required by Texas Education Code. Subcontractor certifications also required.
Section 5. Facilities
- Dual credit courses are offered in adequate physical facilities in compliance with College standards and SACSCOC guidelines. Periodic review occurs.
- College and District representatives assess facilities, class size, and instructional modality.
Section 6. Tuition
- Students enrolled in dual credit courses pay tuition, and faculty are compensated, as follows:
If a qualified and approved District-employed instructor is used for an academic course and the College pays that instructor's overload rate, students will pay $0 tuition* and $0 general fees* per credit hour for that year. In exchange, District permits use of District facilities for public instruction at no charge to the College.*
*During the Term as hereinafter defined of this Agreement, the credit hour tuition and fees are subject to change as established by the College's Board of Trustees.
Section 7. Instructional Supplies
The College will provide dual credit students with any supplies normally supplied to its on-campus students.
Section 8. Syllabus, Curriculum and Textbooks
- Dual Credit instruction must use the same curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor in all classes regardless of location or modality.
- A College Common Syllabus must be posted in Concourse for each dual credit course. Syllabus must match the main College elements and include policies and course schedule.
- Dual Credit courses use identical or equivalent textbooks as on-campus College courses. College does not provide textbooks. Free or low-cost open educational resources to be considered per HB 3650.
Section 9. Library and Learning Resources
- Dual credit students and instructors may access library resources at the College and District. Circulation privileges and services are identical to other College students and instructors.
Section 10. Academic and Student Support Services
- The College will provide adequate support services, including advising and counseling, to dual credit students.
Designated advising contact:- Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs
- Phone: 979-209-8218
- Email: shannon.williford@blinn.edu
- Dual credit students may use the computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers on any College campus.
Section 11. Student Code of Conduct
- Dual credit students must adhere to both College and District policies, including Student Code of Conduct (link to catalog).
- Students must comply with College’s academic regulations for integrity and conduct. (link)
- Students asked to leave due to uncivil behavior may not return until compliant with policies and procedures.
Section 12. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fees due at registration. Payment plan available upon request. Failure to pay will result in being dropped from classes.
- Financial aid is not available to dual credit students (students enrolled in both secondary and postsecondary courses are not eligible for Title IV assistance).
- State funding for dual credit courses will be available to both District and College as per TEA and THECB funding rules, depending on course type.
- A student who attempts to take a class more than twice is responsible for the tuition and $50 per semester hour (technical courses exempt).
- The College is not responsible for transporting dual credit students.
Section 13. Records and Reporting
- Class Rosters: College provides class rosters to District at close of each semester.
- Student Records; Record Retention; FERPA: Both College and District follow FERPA and TPIA guidelines. Data privacy, sharing restrictions, and record disclosure rules per law. Student data shared is confidential and used only for Agreement purposes.
- Transcription of Credit: High school and college credit for dual credit courses transcripted immediately upon course completion.
Section 14. Term and Termination
- Term: Effective Date is August 1, 2023; Agreement expires after second summer semester of 2027. May be extended with written mutual agreement and approvals.
- Termination: May be terminated by either Party, with or without cause, with written notice thirty (30) days prior to end of current semester. Termination does not take effect for already enrolled students until their courses are completed.
Section 15. General Contract Terms
- Entire Agreement
- This Agreement (including Appendices) is the entire agreement regarding the subject matter.
- Amendments
- Modifications only by written signatures of both Parties.
- Governing Law; Venue
- Governed by Texas law. Venue in Washington County, Texas.
- Notice
- College: Blinn College District, 902 College Avenue, Brenham, Texas 77833
Contact: Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs, shannon.williford@blinn.edu, 979-209-8218
Office of the Chancellor, chancellor@blinn.edu, 979-830-4115
District: Waller ISD, 2214 Waller Street, Waller, Texas 77484
Kevin Moran, Superintendent, kmoran@wallerisd.net, 936-931-3685 - Relationship of the Parties
- Each remains an independent contractor. No employment, agency, joint venture, or partnership is created.
- No Waiver
- No delay or failure by a Party in exercising rights is a waiver.
- Assignment
- Neither Party may assign without written consent of the other.
- Captions
- Used for convenience only.
- Severability
- If any provision is invalid or unenforceable, remainder stays in effect.
- No Third Party Rights
- No third-party rights or beneficiaries created.
- Counterparts; Electronic Signatures
- May be executed in counterparts. Consent to electronic documents and signatures.
- Indemnification
- Each party indemnifies the other as permitted by Texas law for loss/damage arising from their own acts or omissions.
- No Waiver of Immunity
- This Agreement does not waive government or sovereign immunity.
- Force Majeure
- Performance excused if prevented or delayed by events not within reasonable control, including natural disaster, epidemic, fire, terrorism, or similar.
- Entire Agreement: Clinical Teaching
- This agreement supersedes any others regarding clinical teaching, unless expressly stated in writing.
ATTACHMENTS
The following appendices are incorporated into this Agreement:
- Appendix A: Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) and College Procedures for Grading and Credit
- Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
- Appendix C: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
- Appendix D: Advising Terminology
- Appendix E: Dual Credit Statewide Goals
Signatures
| Blinn College District | Waller ISD |
|---|---|
| Mary Hensley, Ed.D. Chancellor Date: 8/21/2023 |
Kevin Moran Superintendent Date: 8/10/2023 |
Appendix A: Regarding Grading System
The Board shall establish the manner by which grades are determined and credit awarded. Procedures include methods for reporting grades, GPA calculation, student classification, transfer of credits, student performance standards, grade appeals, and related matters. These are published in the College District catalog. The Chancellor creates procedures for implementation.
Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
Grades
At the end of each semester, students receive a final grade report:
- A (90-100) - Excellent
- B (80-89) - Good
- C (70-79) - Average
- D (60-69) - Poor
- F (Below 60) - Failure
- I - Incomplete
- IP - In Progress
- Q - Dropped
- W - Dropped Due to Good Cause/Withdrawal
- CR - Credit
- NC - Failure (non-credit technical classes)
- M - Pass (MATH 0300)
- P - Pass
- NP - Not Passing
- FS - Academic Fresh Start
- AU - Audit
- PIA - Passing, STEM developmental math pathway only
I – Incomplete: For justified emergencies. Coursework must be completed within 90 days of next long semester start; otherwise, “I” becomes “F”.
IP – In Progress: Placeholder, does not affect GPA.
Q – Dropped: Dropped before or on Q-date.
W – Dropped Due to Good Cause: For specified causes (serious illness, care of family, death in family, active military service, schedule change, and others defined in policy).
FS – Academic Fresh Start: State law allows students with credits 10+ years old to exclude those from admission and graduation calculations.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
| Grade | Grade Points per Semester Hour |
|---|---|
| A (90-100) - Excellent Performance | 4 |
| B (80-89) - Good Performance | 3 |
| C (70-79) - Acceptable Performance | 2 |
| D (60-69) - Passing | 1 |
| F (Below 60) - Failure | 0 |
Grades of I, IP, Q, W, CR, NC, M, P, NP, FS, AU, and PIA count as 0 in GPA calculations. The highest grade of a repeated course is used in cumulative GPA.
Academic Standing
Minimum GPA for good standing is 2.0 (“C”). Falling below 2.0 results in probation; failure to meet requirements in subsequent semesters leads to suspension. Students on suspension may appeal in writing.
Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
[See official College form for details.]
Appendix C: 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 1311/1315/1321 | Speech Communication/Public Speaking | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 1301/1302/2322/2323/2327/2328 | English/Composition/Literature | English III/IV or as determined by HS | 3 | All Areas |
Appendix D: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework with potential for college credit via AP exam.
- Advising
- Individual academic guidance for educational and career planning.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Credit by exam for college courses.
- Contact Hours
- Total number of class meeting hours per week.
- Degree Plan
- Set course requirements for degree attainment.
- Dual Credit
- College courses counting for both high school and college credit.
- Drop
- Request to be dropped must go through Blinn College Dual Credit Office.
- Early Admissions
- College courses for college credit only by high school students.
- FERPA
- Federal law protecting privacy of student records at public institutions.
- ACGM
- State-approved academic course list for public college funding in Texas.
- MPE
- Math placement exam; can earn credit by exam.
- Prerequisite
- Required course before taking another course.
- WECM
- State-approved workforce education course list for Texas colleges.
Appendix E: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Goal 1: ISDs and higher ed institutions implement collaborative efforts to inform all students and parents about dual credit benefits and costs.
- Documentation of collaboration is posted and readily available.
- Examples: joint informational sessions, college fairs, counselor workshops.
- Goal 2: Dual credit programs support student transition and acceleration through postsecondary education.
- Analysis of postsecondary enrollment and persistence.
- Examples: tours, informational sessions, automatic transition to traditional student status for seniors.
- Goal 3: All dual credit students receive advising and bridge support into college course completion.
- Advising and career counseling for all dual credit students.
- Access to college support centers and resources.
- Goal 4: Dual credit courses maintain quality and rigor for student success in subsequent courses.
- Institutional data show student performance.
- Curriculum and rigor aligned with college-level expectations.
- Eligibility requirements established for participation.