Memorandum of Understanding

Between Blinn College District And Bellville Independent School District

This document is executed as a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between Blinn College District ("Blinn") and Bellville Independent School District ("BISD"). Blinn and BISD have a mutual shared interest in providing postsecondary direct college to dual credit courses for high school and college courses for eligible 13/14 students ("13/14") continuing their path to BISD's Pathways to Technology Early College High School ("P-TECH")-partnered pathway for the 2025-2026 academic year. Collectively the partners are referred to as "Parties." The Parties enter into this MOU for the purposes of the Texas Education Agency ("TEA") P-TECH Designation and Academy. This MOU serves as the basis to satisfy 551.057 of the Texas Education Code.

WHEREAS, the purpose of this agreement is to outline the collaboration of the parties, as set forth in the scope of BISD P-TECH;

WHEREAS, the parties to this MOU desire to provide for the resolution of disputes covered by the P-TECH articulation and coursework plan, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board ("THECB") Rules, as codified under Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4 Subchapter G of the Texas Administrative Code;

WHEREAS, Blinn is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, and a subject of powers to benefit the state of Texas and its residents;

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties mutually agree as follows:

Purpose

The BISD P-TECH, 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. While attending the P-TECH, these students will develop a commitment to learning, a capacity for critical thinking, and an understanding of their future role as community leaders, and the academic and technical skills necessary to achieve success in these and other arenas. Students graduating from the P-TECH will enter post-secondary education and/or the workforce with a competitive advantage.

Principles

1. Establish a mutually beneficial partnership between Blinn and BISD that allows a flexible and creative response to the mission and organizational/fiscal needs of both institutions.
2. Provide P-TECH students:
   • Early exposure to and participation in college, employment and/or P-TECH programs, including provision for faculty, staff, and administration.
   • Access to college resources, faculty and staff.
3. Collaborate financially to address costs of both partners:
   • To address admissions, tuition, and local shared expenses necessary for offering P-TECH programs, as agreed upon or as limitation under State law, Board policy, program and/or institutional needs as set out in this MOU.
4. Promote student success through participation in college visits and in academic and admission processes, including advisement, registration processes, student orientations, and other supports offered by Blinn. In addition, weekend, after-school, or summer programs and activities, as accessible to the students, will also be covered by BISD, Blinn, or both.
5. Ensure the selection of students into the intent of the program, a selection that is not based on the individual delivery of the student populations identified below.

Term

Subject to the approval of the Program application by TEA, any additional approvals that may be required from THECB, and mutual agreement as required by law or by TEA or THECB, the term of this MOU shall commence upon the date of the Agreement as has been signed ("Commencement Date") and shall end only on July 31, 2026 ("Termination Date"). Notwithstanding the preceding, both Parties acknowledge that the ability to provide services subject to a Party's signing this MOU is approval of the Agreement by that Party's governing board.

The timing of the commencement and/or termination of the partnership is contingent upon receipt of the required approvals from TEA, THECB and Party governing boards as set forth above.

Governance

1. The P-TECH establishment is structured to comply with all applicable state and federal laws and any state and federal funding allocations. The Parties will cooperate to ensure compliance with these laws as set out by TEA, THECB, and any other governmental authorities.
2. The P-TECH program will be subject to Blinn and BISD Board Policies as they pertain to their respective staff, students, and physical property.
3. The Bellville Collegiate P-TECH Coordinator will be appointed by the Superintendent of BISD. The Coordinator will be an employee of BISD. BISD will be responsible for all associated payroll benefits for all workers' compensation insurance and for payment of all 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 school Coordinator position become vacant and the need to appoint or reappoint an employee occurs between both organizations, the position and associated benefits will be covered by the respective stated party in its policies. Any expenses related to candidates for selection as the new P-TECH Coordinator as well as the assignment of a qualified candidate is identified and managed by BISD. Any other expenses or payment for service as a consultant, staff or any other shared cost program that may be necessary, will be the responsibility of the assigned party.
4. The faculty assigned to Blinn dual credits courses follows the same requirements of Blinn as outlined in its policies. Any Blinn employee or substitute working as a District employee or not operating as a Blinn employee will be subject to the responsibilities as outlined by their respective organizations. Where students enrolled in the P-TECH Program attend any Blinn instructional facilities, the assignment of responsibility for custody, instruction, and/or the health and safety of the students/faculty shall be governed by and subject to the applicable student operational policies of the institution, unless otherwise stated.

Location

BISD will offer courses at the Bellville High School campus (including students transported to the Bellville Learning Center) for students served in 9th-12th grades.

Approved locations and delivery models can include:

• X BHS campus
• X Internet Delivery, including hybrid
• X Blinn campus

Academic dual credit courses must be taught in classes composed (1) solely of academic dual credit students or (2) of both dual credit students and advanced placement students. In the case of technical classes being approved as an articulated course, the dual credit class must be a combination of technical dual credit students, college credit students, and/or high school students.

In accordance with THECB regulations and SACSCOC, Dual Credit instruction must be in line with college and program requirements. A grade in all courses regardless of location is mandatory.

Curriculum Alignment

BISD is responsible for ensuring that dual credit courses meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. During rigorous review of college courses for dual credit, BISD and Blinn will coordinate to ensure that the curriculum is aligned and that students are provided a curriculum that meets or exceeds the State Board of Education and Texas Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and SACSCOC policies as aligned with Blinn policies.

Instructional Materials

Instructional materials will be selected in compliance with the policies and authority of BISD. Instructional materials will be purchased and align with approved PEIMS courses as specified by the TEC, the High School curriculum and teacher syllabi.

Students enrolled in Blinn courses will use instructional materials adopted by Blinn. The P-TECH will be responsible for purchasing college textbooks, including college textbooks, through use of available and appropriate local educational resources.

To the extent possible, Blinn will coordinate with BISD to reduce college textbook costs for use over multiple semesters and/or the use of low-cost open instructional resources.

Courses of Study

Courses of study will be used to allow the implementation of rigorous academic standards. Students will also qualify to be associated degree, post-associate degree, or other college/industry certifications.

Student Eligibility and Enrollment

1. All students will be expected to maintain a minimum high school GPA in order to enroll in coursework.
2. BISD will ensure that students take Texas Success Initiative (TSI) readiness tests and coordinate with Blinn on the alignment and curriculum for dual credit coursework. Advising will be conducted by both BISD and Blinn personnel to ensure that students are given specific college and career guidance, and each student is given support to complete the P-TECH pathway as well as other state-mandated requirements for program completion.

Grading Practices and Credits

Grading practices for college credit courses will be those adopted by Blinn. Blinn will determine the grading practices. Grades for college credit coursework will be provided to BISD each semester the week following final exams.

See Appendix D for additional information on the Blinn Grading Policy.

Eligible Courses

1. Courses approved for dual credit for a P-TECH student must be applicable to a college certificate or degree.
2. Developmental courses are not eligible for dual credit student credits.
3. Kinesiology courses that mirror the state required high school graduation physical education requirement will not be offered for dual credit.

Administration of Statewide Assessments – Subchapter B, Chapter 39

The P-TECH shall comply with State Board of Education accountability rules regarding the administration of state assessments as required by Subchapter B, Chapter 39. In addition, the P-TECH must require students to take the Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR/EOC) examinations required for graduation as applicable for high school cohort.

P-TECH students will be required to participate in the appropriate end-of-course assessment and other college credit courses taken in Algebra I, Biology, U.S. History, and English Language Arts, as applicable.

Instructional Support

• P-TECH students may use the computer labs, writing centers, library, eCampus orientation, and tutoring services on any of the College's campuses and web access when needed.
• Disability services are available to P-TECH students in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for college courses for dual credit.

[TAC 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter D, §4.85 (h)]

Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program

The state of Texas has created the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program which includes both a tuition and fee waiver for eligible high school students. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) FAST Program is designed to ensure that "students" (documented as seniors in public high schools in Texas) are able to earn up to 12 semester credit hours at no tuition cost. All eligible students to FAST eligible high schools are required to be identified and verified by the LEA enrolling the students in FAST.

Students are "eligible students" for FAST if they are:

1. Not already enrolled or not enrolled at any time during the four school years leading up to the student's enrollment in the FAST program;
2. Enrolled in high school in a school district or charter school;
3. A Texas resident with intent to establish domicile in Texas; and
4. On track to complete a high school diploma or associate degree or technical education credential or a field of study requirement

Eligibility for the FAST program is determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Each semester, Blinn is required to submit a roster of eligible dual credit students to THECB for verification of FAST eligibility. If eligibility is disputed and cannot match this roster, the ISD or institution will work together with THECB to help the students enrolling in P-TECH that meet the eligibility requirements for the FAST program. This verification shall occur by August 5th.

Students are eligible to enroll at no cost in a dual credit course under the FAST program if the student meets the following:

1. Is enrolled in high school in a school district or charter school.
2. Is a Texas resident or will register for establishment of intent for higher education.
3. Has not previously earned 12 SCH at any time during the four school years preceding the student's enrollment in FAST.
4. On track to complete a high school diploma, associate's degree, or technical education credential or a field of study requirement.

P-TECH Enrollment and Attendance

Students are eligible to enroll in the P-TECH after they have filled out all necessary application forms. BISD will select students through a blind lottery process, if necessary. Attendance for P-TECH students will be tracked to follow current BISD attendance policies. Attendance records will also be kept by BISD for all students through the P-TECH program.

All high school students enrolled in a College academic dual credit class will follow the official Blinn calendar regardless of dual credit location, course instructional modality, or BISD calendar. Neither Blinn nor BISD will excuse student absences unless it is absolutely necessary. The cancellations shall not be compounded or require additional instruction. BISD and/or Blinn will be responsible for the evaluation of P-TECH student absences necessary by Blinn, lost instructional time shall not be made up except through official policies.

Building a College Culture

BISD and Blinn shall cultivate a learning community that blends high school and college experiences through academic advisement, mentorship, and support services. This includes promoting college readiness, persistence, and engagement for all high school and dual credit students in college coursework, ensuring all students are prepared to meet the rigorous academic expectations at both levels.

By enrolling in courses with Blinn, we empower individual student advancement and achievement, regardless of social or economic background. The P-TECH program targets students who may not otherwise consider postsecondary education by removing barriers to college access, supporting dual credit coursework and involvement, and establishing expectations for engagement in both college and career pathways. Attainment of an Associate's degree or postsecondary credential will demonstrate to BISD students, families, teachers, and the greater community that college success is achievable for all students.

P-TECH students will be eligible for access to all college services as specified by Blinn. Blinn provides the following student success resources:

• Dual Credit Student Code of Conduct

Professional Development

Professional Development of the P-TECH staff will be ongoing, and will be provided through a selected Campus Improvement Team. The Blinn liaison will work with the team to identify any challenges and make recommendations for the Principal for effective coordination, collaboration and continued development of the P-TECH. P-TECH faculty teaching college credit course will have access to ongoing and comprehensive opportunities available to all Blinn faculty including, but not limited to spring teaching and learning conferences, online synchronous workshops and webinars, online asynchronous workshops and webinars, faculty mentoring orientation, and instruction.

Blinn will continue to provide professional development opportunities that will promote interaction between P-TECH, BISD instructors and advisors.

Process for Collecting and Sharing Data

Student data will be collected by BISD in accordance with state regulations and BISD data collection procedures. In addition, Blinn will be provided access, as necessary, to support the evidence collection and documentation process required for program evaluation and improvement. Information, including TSI test scores and SAT/ACT scores, Federal and State academic reporting, course enrollments, high school and college credits earned, and overall P-TECH program progress, will be regularly provided through the process set forth by Blinn and BISD. Reports will be provided to the required BISD and Blinn entities and reporting systems, as necessary. Each entity will maintain records based on student privacy rights under FERPA.

Records that cannot be shared under FERPA or other regulations will be collected separately by each institution and reported as required for compliance with state, federal, or local laws. Each individual institution will participate in collecting required data, and will provide reporting where appropriate. Where two or more datasets are required for the evaluation or analysis, Blinn will submit appropriate reports directly to Blinn.

Evaluation

BISD and Blinn will develop a plan for the evaluation of the P-TECH program to be completed each year that will include, but not be limited to, attendance and retention rates, GPA of high school credit only courses and college courses, satisfactory progress in college courses, and adequate progress toward the college-readiness of the students in the program.

Additional Requirements - Dual Credit at Blinn

Because a P-TECH program is prescribed for both courses and credit, the Blinn policies regarding dual credit will also apply to P-TECH students from BISD unless noted otherwise in this MOU or Blinn policies. High school students may take other credit courses during the spring, fall, or summer sessions to meet the goals of P-TECH. P-TECH programs are designed to be completed in Fall and Spring terms (summer sessions would only be used for acceleration or remediation to enable students to finish a course of study and will not delay the academic progress or the approval of P-TECH-PTECH Administration).

Transportation

Day to day costs, such as transportation to and from the campus, will be the responsibility of BISD.

Discontinuation

At their sole discretion, each party may terminate one or both parties with ninety (90) days advance written notice. Termination of this agreement shall not impair the validity of any activities or coursework completed prior to the date of termination.

A student may be removed from the P-TECH program if the student no longer meets the eligibility requirements, or upon mutual agreement of the parties. In all instances, removal from the program will be pursuant to Blinn and BISD policies and procedures.

If either party fails to comply with the terms of this agreement in a material, legal, unremediable, or unrecoverable manner, and if the party has failed to comply after being given notice and an opportunity to cure, either party may terminate the agreement. If the agreement is terminated, parties shall meet in good faith to determine a process for the orderly administration of the program and to assure students do not lose credit.

Termination

This agreement and partnership may be terminated by either party upon ninety (90) days written notice to the other party. In the event of termination during the initial term of this agreement, the effective date of termination shall be as of August 1 following the notice. It is the intent of both parties that no termination shall be made during the middle of the school year which will disrupt the academic progress for the students of the P-TECH, unless the parties mutually agree.

Attachments

The following appendices are attached to and incorporated into this P-TECH Memorandum of Understanding:

• Appendix A: Crosswalks
• Appendix B: Advising Terminology
• Appendix C: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
• Appendix D: Blinn Grading Policy

EXECUTED BY THE PARTIES as of the Effective Date of August 1, 2025, by:

Blinn College District
Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor
Date: 2/24/2025

Bellville Independent School District
Nicole Fornash, Ed.D., Superintendent
Date: 3/1/25

Appendix A: Crosswalks

Healthcare Crosswalk

Business/Entrepreneurship Crosswalk

Education/Teaching and Training Crosswalk

Appendix B: Advising Terminology

As per SB 1276 (86th Legislature, 2019), below is the terminology related to advising for dual credit and related academic redesigns.

Advanced Placement (AP)

College-level coursework designed by the College Board which provides students the potential to earn college credit with a qualifying score on an Advanced Placement exam.

Advising

Individualized academic guidance for students to help them succeed in their future education 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 courses required for students to satisfy undergraduate as set at the institution of higher education most often in case books are made at each admission.

Drop – Dual Credit

High school students take college courses for both high school and college Dual Credit credit.

Early College High School (ECHS)

Students complete high school and college courses together, including a degree plan.

Early College Readiness and Placement for All (ECRPA)

A model for students at risk of not meeting college readiness. These students are enrolled in high school and college courses to receive college-level placement and college credit while satisfying high school graduation requirements.

Withdrawn Measure Form (WMF)

A form required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board when a student withdraws after the census date. Students may also drop without penalty as a result of extreme circumstances.

Appendix C: Statewide Dual Credit Goals

As per HB 1638 (85th Legislature, 2017), the adoption of the state goals for dual credit:

1. Independent school districts and institutions of higher education will implement purposeful and collaborative outreach efforts to inform all students and parents of the benefits and costs of dual credit, including enrollment and fee policies.
   • Measures of implementation: Documentation summarizing collaboration and outreach efforts of IHEs and secondary school partners will be readily available and posted.
2. 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.
3. Support Student Relations Advisors providing targeted opportunities for specific student sub-populations, including those not traditionally served.
4. High School Counselor Workshops are provided for area high school counselors.
   • Measures of implementation: Analysis of measures in all enrollment and degree completion, disaggregated by student sub-population.
   • Advising and career students to clarify and monitor student success in subsequent courses.
   • 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.
5. The quality and rigor of dual credit courses will be measured to ensure student success in subsequent coursework.
   • Measures of implementation: Analysis of student performance in subsequent course work.
   • Institutional research data showing student performance in subsequent course work.
   • In accordance with THECB regulations, and SACSCOC, Dual Credit instruction must include 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.

Appendix D: Blinn Grading Policy

Blinn Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit

The Board shall establish the manner by which grades shall be determined and credit shall be awarded. These provisions shall include the methods for reporting student grades, the calculation of a student's grade point average (GPA), criteria for honors designation and selection, the transfer of credits, and student performance as published in the College District catalog. The Chancellor shall develop procedures for the implementation of the grading and awarding of credit provisions adopted by the Board. (For detailed policies and calculations and honors determinations, see EGB)

Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit

Grades

At the end of each semester, a final grade for each course attempted shall become a part of their permanent record. The College District is authorized to assign the following grades:

If the requirements of a course are not completed within 90 days of the start of the next long semester, the grade (IP) will be converted to an (F) by the Blinn College Registrar. It's the student's responsibility to ensure that a Course Completion Contract is initiated.

IP – In Progress: indicates that a grade is still in progress or that the course has not been concluded. An IP is not assigned to the student's GPA; it is a placeholder until sufficient time has passed and a final grade is awarded. IP is also used for developmental courses indicating partial completion until grading is completed.

Q – Dropped issued before or on the official "Q-Date" as indicated on the College District calendar when a student is officially dropped from a course.

W – Dropped Due to Good Cause; issued when either the official "Q-Date" is indicated or the College District calendar and one or more of the following "good cause" requirements is met:

• Severe illness or other debilitating condition that affects the student's ability to satisfactorily complete a course;
• Care for a sick, injured or needy person if the student is the primary caretaker;
• Death in family or extended family;
• Active duty service as a member of the armed forces or Texas National Guard;
• Other good cause as determined by the College District Board or Chancellor.

The option to drop from a dual credit course via incomplete course-related illness or other justified emergency; those enrolled in dual credit courses may continue to attend high school but the college course is indicated on the College District transcript as incomplete