See the Dual Credit Supplement for more information regarding Abilene ISD’s dual credit partners and course offerings: 2025-2026 DC Supplement

What is Dual Credit?

Students may earn both high school and college credit at the same time when enrolled in a dual credit course. Credit is posted to the student’s high school transcript and college transcript upon successful completion of the course. The student is taught and graded in the same way as college students who take the same course. Only grades earned in dual credit courses matched to the Abilene ISD Advanced Placement curriculum are included in GPA calculations for graduating classes 2025, 2026, and 2027. Beginning with the class of 2028, dual credit course grades will be calculated toward students' GPA's. See Grading section for additional information.

Format of Instruction:

Dual credit classes are taught by one of the following teaching arrangements:

• The course may be taught on the college campus by a college instructor.
• The course may be taught remotely or in a blended learning (both online and in-person) format by a college instructor.
• The course may be fully online through the college.
• The course may be taught on a high school campus by a college instructor.
• The course may be taught on a high school campus by a high school teacher credentialed through the college.

Benefits of Taking Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Courses:

Dual credit courses provided significant cost savings to students and families towards their postsecondary degree or certificate. Students who successfully complete dual credit coursework experience an easier transition to college-level coursework and are able to finish college and enter the workforce sooner.  Dual credit coursework transfers to most Texas public colleges and universities.

Transfer of Credits:

It is the student's responsibility to check with the institution(s) they plan to attend for specific policies regarding the transfer of dual credit courses in the above three tiers prior to enrolling in any course. The Texas Common Course Numbering System at tccns.org allows students to investigate which courses are accepted as equivalents across multiple state colleges and universities.

Dual Credit Partner Institutions

Abilene ISD partners with the following institutions:

• Abilene Christian University (on ACU campus only)
• Angelo State University (on AISD campus only taught by AISD staff)
• Cisco College
• Hardin-Simmons University (on HSU campus only)
• McMurry University
• Texas State Technical College

Abilene ISD may negotiate agreements with additional colleges for dual credit. Additional dual credit courses may be added at any time. Students must meet eligibility criteria for each course.

Any coursework completed for high school credit must be approved by Abilene ISD prior to enrolling and completing the course.

Eligibility Requirements

Policies regarding college tuition, fees, and required instructional supplies are set by the college or university. Students must meet specific college and Abilene ISD criteria before being accepted for enrollment in a dual credit course. Students should check with individual institutions of higher learning for admission requirements and details for awarding credit. Please note that students may be responsible for the cost of tuition and books. Interested students should check with their counselor for information and requirements for enrollment.

Dual credit coursework is more challenging than high school coursework. Students enrolling in dual credit coursework must:

• Be committed to attending all classes and not have any denied credits due to attendance.
• Meet state course requirements in accordance with their 4-year plan.
• Meet eligibility criteria set by the college.
• Complete all registration and enrollment paperwork prior to the deadline set by the college.

Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA2):

The Texas Success Initiative is a state-legislated program designed to improve student success in college. Based on performance, a student may either be enrolled in a college-level course that matches skill level or be placed in the appropriate developmental course or intervention to improve skills and prepare for success in college-level courses.  

The TSIA2 is a test that is administered to students to show college readiness.  Students can also show college readiness by achieving an equivalent score on another exam (see table below).  Not all dual credit coursework requires students to have met standard on the TSIA2. With counselor and administrator approval, students can enroll in dual credit courses without having met TSIA2 standards. This decision is based on multiple factors to include but not limited to 1) student academic performance, 2) scores on previously taken standardized tests to include STAAR and EOC performance, 3) student attendance, 4) teacher recommendation.

Students should meet with their high school counselor to plan for their desired dual credit courses for the 2025-2026 school year.

Cost Responsibility

Ultimately parents are responsible for the cost of dual credit courses. Although, there are ways for students to get assistance with the cost of dual credit courses.

• FAST eligibility

• The FAST program gives funding to public colleges and universities who use this money to offer free dual credit courses to students who are “educationally disadvantaged.” The Texas Education Code says that a student is considered “educationally disadvantaged” if they qualify for the national free or reduced-price lunch program. If a student has been eligible for this program at any point during their four years of school before they start the eligible dual credit course, they might be able to join the FAST program.

• Abilene ISD

• If a student is not FAST eligible or not TSI ready, and has not met CCMR indicators, Abilene ISD will pay for up to 9 credit hours of dual credit.
• Dual credit students will be allowed one (1) attempt to retake a failed or withdrawn course using the district dual credit assistance (without cost). A failed course is defined as a course where a grade of an F is received by the student. Students repeating any course for the third time or more will be responsible for paying the tuition fee of the course.

Student Conduct

Expectations for General Conduct

Abilene ISD students are expected to adhere to all behavior standards outlined in AISD’s Student Code of Conduct as well as the institution’s Student Code of Conduct. Students are subject to disciplinary action from both AISD and the partner institution if any infraction occurs.

Academic Integrity

Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by instructors, department chairs, and/or instructional deans against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism and/or collusion.

• Cheating includes:

• Copying from another student's work
• Using unauthorized materials including electronic devices for tests, assignments, and classroom activities
• Collaborating with another student during a test without authority
• Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting or soliciting in whole or part, the contents of an unadministered test
• Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered
• Unauthorized talking during tests, assignments, and classroom activities

• Plagiarism means using another person's words or ideas as one's own without properly citing where and from whom the original work was obtained. This includes any AI assistive technology. This is not a definitive list; any action that misleadingly implies that someone else’s work is your own can constitute plagiarism.
• Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work submitted for credit.
• Other actions may constitute scholastic dishonesty. This is not an exhaustive list.
  

Possible outcomes for scholastic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F on the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or referral to the Dean of Student Services (or similar office) at the partner institution for further disciplinary action.

Students who wish to review the consequences of scholastic dishonesty as well as the appeal process can find more information within the partner institution’s Student Code of Conduct on the institution’s website.

Students who do not meet expectations for behavior and/or academic integrity may also be subject to disciplinary action by Abilene ISD.

Grading

For the class of 2026 and 2027, dual credit students receive a grade from the dual credit instructor that goes on their college transcript. The grade does not count towards their high school GPA. The student receives high school credit, but the grade is not calculated in their high school GPA.

Beginning with the class of 2028, dual credit students' grades in dual credit courses:

• will be posted on the students high school transcript,
• will be weighted with 7 points, and
• will be figured into the students GPA, as well as being posted on the students college transcript.
  

For more information please see Board Policy EIC(LOCAL).

Dual credit courses are college courses and are graded as such. They follow the college or university grading policies, not the high school grading policies. Therefore, students may not have the opportunity to correct or redo assignments or tests. Students must communicate with the instructor to verify specifics on grading policies for each course. Students should reference the course syllabus.

Dual credit courses taught on an AISD campus by AISD staff are subject to AISD grading guidelines as well as the partner institution grading guidelines; therefore, the grade on the college transcript and the grade on the high school transcript may differ. These courses also count towards a student's GPA. For example, your student may receive an AISD grade of an 88 because they were given the opportunity to correct a failing test grade per AISD guidelines. The college grade may be a 72 because the partner institution does not allow for test corrections. Note: the AISD grade will be used for GPA calculations, if the course is also an AP course the grade will be weighted accordingly.

FERPA and Parent Communication

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits postsecondary institutions from communicating directly with parents. Student progress will not be posted in Frontline for any courses that are led by a college instructor. Therefore, parents will only have access to student information through their child. It is the expectation that parents will regularly communicate with their child to monitor their progress in dual credit coursework through their college portal (canvas, blackboard, etc).

Students with Disabilities

Students who qualify for 504 or Special Education services do not automatically receive accommodations in dual credit courses. Regardless of where the courses are taken (online, in person at AISD campus, in person at college campus), accommodations must be approved by the Office of Disability Services for the respective partner institution which is awarding credit for the course. It is important to note that colleges and universities do not have to provide accommodations that are included in a student's 504 or Special Education paperwork through AISD.

 To receive accommodations in a dual credit course the student must:

1. Request accommodations with the Office of Disability Services at the appropriate school
2. Present the approved accommodations to their instructor
3. Self Advocate for services including, but not limited to

1. Following up with professors to ensure that approved accommodations are being provided
2. Refer faculty to the Office of Disability Services if there are any questions or concerns

Responsibilities and Commitment

Abilene ISD is pleased to offer the opportunity for students to earn college credit while in high school. However, parents and students need to understand there are expectations that a dual credit student needs to meet in order to successfully complete dual credit course work.

Student

• Students may need to take the TSIA2 in order to take dual credit courses.
• Students are responsible for meeting all high school program and college deadlines, including but not limited to college registration and last date to withdraw.
• Dual credit courses will be more academically challenging than traditional high school courses. Some courses and college events will likely involve adult discussion and could include mature topics.
• Students must adhere to the college attendance policy. If an absence occurs from a college course, it is the  students’ responsibility to contact the instructor to complete any missed work.
• It is the student’s responsibility to discuss progress, grades, and attendance directly with their college instructors. Should the student need to drop/withdraw, it is students’ responsibility to first notify their high school counselor and then complete the required drop/withdrawal form by the required deadlines.
• Students must use and communicate with all college professors and college staff, through their designated college student email or learning management system (e.g. Canvas).
• Students must contact disabilities services through the college if they wish to receive accommodations for dual credit college courses prior to the start of the semester.
• Students taking dual credit courses can receive extended academic support to aspire to make a C or better in all college courses. If students are not passing midterm, a recommendation will be made for the student to withdraw from the course.
• Students and parents understand that dual credit grades will be placed on college transcripts and follow you throughout your academic career. Failed college courses will impact students' college GPA, completion rate and financial aid upon graduation from high school.

Parents/Families

• Support good attendance. Should my student be absent, parent/guardian will contact the attendance clerk
• Please encourage and ensure that students complete assignments and homework for high school and college coursework to the best of their ability to aid in students attaining a C or better in dual credit courses.
• Understand that the college courses may require more studying/homework than usual and as a parent/guardian I will help my student manage their time.
• Monitor student progress regularly. For college classes, parents/guardians understand that the law protects the student’s privacy and parents do not have direct access to their academic records.  Parents/guardians understand that their student should be able to share their dual credit progress through their college portal (canvas, blackboard, etc.). A parent/guardian must sign a FERPA Release Form from the partnering college to receive information regarding my student’s academic information regarding college courses.  
• Attend all parent meetings and conferences.

Abilene ISD will

• Ensure students and families are part of the decision-making process for dual credit enrollment.
• Monitor high school academic progress and support dual credit students to ensure they communicate effectively with college professors and staff.
• Provide assistance in scheduling and registering for all courses, high school, and college.
• Provide counseling and guidance and other wellness services designed to assist students in achieving their academic goals.
• Provide specific academic advising, career information, and identify transfer plans.

Drop/Withdrawals

Partner institution faculty may process drops/withdrawals for non-attendance when this behavior results in a lack of progress. The course syllabus should include any established attendance policy for the partner institution. Students should discuss absences or issues relating to attendance with their high school school counselor or campus Dual Credit Counselor.

Academic Standards/Academic Probation

Acceptable scholastic performance, also known as Good Standing, is based upon student progress toward successful course and program completion. The component used to compute Academic Standing is the partner institution GPA. Academic standing is determined at the end of the fall, spring, and summer terms. If a student’s GPA falls below 2.0, a student would be considered on academic probation and may be in jeopardy of losing the opportunity to continue in the dual credit program in which they are enrolled. Please refer to the partner institution’s course catalog for academic standards information.

Process to Drop/Withdraw from a Dual Credit Course

To drop/withdraw a dual credit course, you must follow the required steps below:

1. Conference with the course professor
2. Conference with the campus dual credit coordinator and my school counselor
3. Submit all required campus and partner institution paperwork by the published deadline

To drop a dual credit class, the student is responsible for contacting the high school counselor and campus dual credit coordinator immediately so that one of the following actions takes place:

• Prior to the partner institution’s published deadline: students will be enrolled in a corresponding AISD course (withdrawing prior to the published deadline allows a student to avoid receiving a permanent "W" on your transcript).
• AFTER the published deadline: students could lose a semester credit. The corresponding course must be for original credit and the student will not be allowed to transfer into a corresponding AISD course already in progress.

Withdrawing or failing a dual credit course can have possible negative outcomes. For example:

• If a student withdraws or fails ENGL-1301 the first semester, they will need to enroll and take AISD English IV-A Credit Recovery and English IV-B. Students cannot take ENGL-1302 without first passing ENGL-1301. If a student passes ENGL-1301, though chooses not to take ENGL-1302, they will be given credit for English IV-A and will need to enroll and take English IV-B.
• For semester-long courses, such as GOVT-2305, ECON-2301, PSYC-2301 , or SOCl-1301, if the student withdraws or fails, they will need to either take and pass the AISD equivalent for original credit or retake and pass the course at a partner institution to receive AISD credit.

Dual credit students will be allowed one (1) attempt to retake a failed or withdrawn course using the dual credit waiver(without cost). A failed course is defined as a course where a grade of an F is received by the student. Students repeating any course for the third time or more will be responsible for paying the tuition fee of the course.

A specific Last Day to Withdraw date is published by the institution partner and communicated through the campus DC Counselor. Withdrawals after the published deadline and prior to the official Withdrawal date will result in a withdrawal (W) on the student’s college transcript. A “W” has no immediate academic consequences. However, students should also be aware of their future college’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policies.  SAP policies differ greatly between colleges.

SAP is a ratio of satisfactorily completed courses over the number of courses attempted.  The SAP, in combination with the college GPA may impact a student’s college admission and/or financial aid eligibility.

SAP =

# courses completed with a “C” or higher

# of courses attempted (not dropped within 10 days of course beginning)

In order to withdraw from a college course, the student must submit the required withdrawal request to the campus dual credit counselor so the counselor can submit the withdrawal to the institution’s Registrar/Office of Dual Credit by the published deadline. Failure to drop the course by the published deadlines can result in an F placed on the student's high school and college transcript. Prior to withdrawing from a college course, the student must first discuss this matter with his/her high school counselor.  

Dual Credit Checklist

• Attend Dual Credit Family Night
• Review the AISD Dual Credit Handbook
• Complete Parent/Student Dual Credit Commitment
• Sign up for Dual Credit on AISD choice of subject

• If course is not on Dual Credit Cross walk, complete Dual Credit approval form and submit to high school counselor

• Apply for Dual Credit admission to the partner institution (only required prior to first dual credit course with each partner)
• Ensure eligibility for Dual Credit courses by meeting College Readiness Standard in Math/English as applicable

SAT

• Math: 530 or higher
• Reading: 480 or higher

ACT

• Math: 22 or higher
• English/Reading Composite: 40 or higher

TSIA 2 Scores      

• Reading: 945 OR less than 945 and 5 or higher on diagnostic
• Math: 950 OR less than 950 and 5 or higher on Diagnostic
• 5 or higher on Essay

• Register for Dual Credit courses through the correct partner institution
• Submit records of vaccinations as required by partner institution
• IF APPLICABLE - Apply for any instructional accommodations through the Office of Disability Services at the correct college/university partner
• Pay for courses by the appropriate deadline through the correct partner institution  (if student does not qualify for the FAST Program or Dual Credit Assistance)

 Please ensure that you are checking all deadlines for the correct partner institution.

Dual Credit Approval Form

(For courses not on the AISD dual credit crosswalk)

Dual Credit Crosswalk

Student Name_____________________________________________________

Student ID________________________________________________________

Higher Institution___________________________________________________

Campus approval_______________________________________________

Date_________________________________________________________

District approval if needed________________________________________

Student and Parent Commitment

Student Name: _______________________________________                Student ID: ________________

Home Campus:          AHS                        ATEMS                CHS

Dual Credit Partner (circle all that apply):        Angelo State                Cisco College                McMurry University

                                                TSTC                        Hardin Simmons        Abilene Christian

Parent/guardian and students: Please read the following information and initial each statement

Student Signature: _______________________________________        Date: ________________________

Parent Signature: ________________________________________        Date: ________________________

Dual Credit Links and Resources