Program Information
- ISBN
- 9798901559048
- Technical Specifications: Checklist
- Tech Specs: Checklist (pdf 553.38 KB)
- Technical Specifications: Professional Development
- Tech Specs: Professional Development (pdf 180.99 KB)
High School Music - Level IV (Texas Edition)
Grade 12
IMRA 2026
Publisher: Music First LLC
Copyright: 2014
Series includes:
Rubric: Fine Arts K–12 (Download Not Available)
* Some programs submit evidence for only part of a standard, while others submit all sections. A 100% score means this program met all the expectations it submitted.
Quality Review
Standards Alignment
Rubric Section
| Grade | TEKS % | ELPS % |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 12 | 57.14% | N/A |
Criteria for Quality
Rubric Section 1
Intentional Instructional Design
Materials support educators in effective implementation through intentional course, unit, and lesson-level design.
Total
87% (20 out of 23 points)
Evaluation for 1.1a
The materials include a “Scope and Sequence with Syllabus” document that outlines the TEKS and the concepts that are taught throughout the course, in alignment with content and grade-level standards. This document includes a list of concepts covered in the course with the associated skills and the TEKS for each set of skills. For example, “Fundamentals of Instrumental Music” includes “Band Basics IV” (TEKS 1.I, 3.A, 3.B, 3.C, 3.D, 3.E, 5.C, 5.D, 5.E, 5.F, 6.A, 6.B, and 6.D) and “Fingering/Note Charts and Quizzes IV” (TEKS 1.C, 1.D, and 3.B).
The “Scope and Sequence with Syllabus” document also includes a “Sequence and Pacing” chart that shows the progression of skills throughout the year. It indicates the months of initial instruction, when new concepts occur, months for ongoing reinforcement and formative assessments, and months for summative assessment.
The materials include a TEKS Guide that outlines the TEKS and the concepts that are taught throughout the course, in alignment with content and grade-level standards. For example, TEKS 2.A is listed 53 times and appears in eight units throughout the course.
Evaluation for 1.1b
The materials include the “Scope and Sequence with Syllabus” document, which includes a “Sequence and Pacing” chart that illustrates the progression of skills throughout the year. The chart also indicates the months (August through May) for initial instruction, when new concepts occur, ongoing reinforcement and formative assessments, and summative assessment.
The Instructional Leader Guide: High School provides leader-facing resources like classroom observation look-fors, coaching moves, and PLC support. It also guides educators in implementing the materials as designed. It offers three schedule options, including 10-month, single semester, and reduced calendar schedules. The guide provides a rationale for each calendar and specifies curriculum changes to cover all TEKS for each schedule option.
Evaluation for 1.1c
The “Scope and Sequence with Syllabus” document provides a rationale for unit order and pacing. It also explains the differences and unique needs of each campus and schedule structure. It highlights the interdependent, holistic nature of musical learning, which requires a continuous, concurrent learning structure. The Pacing Guide includes the same rationale as the “Scope and Sequence with Syllabus” document for unit order and pacing within a 10-month instructional calendar.
Evaluation for 1.1d
The Pacing Guide includes a section about unit and lesson internalization. This section discusses flexible organizational and scheduling tools that let educators manage and sequence instruction through class overviews, unit structures, and calendar views while maintaining control over the presentation and pacing of lessons, activities, and assessments.
In the Instructional Implementation and Support Guide, the “Unit & Lesson Internalization” section includes clear, step-by-step instructions for effectively internalizing both the overall unit and individual lessons. This guidance helps educators understand key components of the instructional materials, prepare for instruction, and develop a deeper understanding of the content and learning objectives.
Evaluation for 1.1e
The materials provide educators with guidance on implementing units. For example, the unit “Band Basics” includes a Teacher Guide with assessment guidance, differentiation tips, and ELPS integration. The materials also include differentiation resources like English and Spanish instrument lists and scaffolding ideas in the Family/Student Guide.
The Instructional Leader Guide: High School provides leader-facing resources including look-fors, agendas, coaching actions, PLC materials, and guidance on interpreting assessment data. It also provides guidance to help educators implement the materials as designed.
Evaluation for 1.2a
The materials include comprehensive unit overviews that provide background content knowledge. For example, in the unit called “Composition in Band,” the unit overview describes how the lessons tie together. It also pre-teaches concepts if the lesson concepts and vocabulary are new for students. Additionally, the overview ends with a “Prior Knowledge” section to ensure students receive necessary information before completing the unit. However, the unit overviews do not include the academic and discipline-specific vocabulary needed to teach the concepts effectively.
The “Scope and Sequence with Syllabus” document provides conceptual descriptions, unit purposes, instructional rationale, content explanations, and implementation context. These materials incorporate the TEKS Guide, which identifies music terminology, discipline-specific concepts, technical vocabulary, and content-area language.
Evaluation for 1.2b
The Family/Student Guide is available in Spanish and English and provides suggestions to support students with materials at home. For example, question stems are provided so families can engage in conversations about content. A link to a table of vocabulary terms with definitions is also included. Questions and vocabulary terms are available in Spanish and English.
The materials include a Family/Student Guide for each unit in English, with some Spanish supports like links to outside websites (Musica.com, MusicTheory.net, and Teoria.com/es). However, the family guide is the same for every unit, regardless of the unit’s topic. The Spanish vocabulary document includes only pictures that represent definitions.
Evaluation for 1.3a
In “Composing for Band,” a comprehensive lesson plan is provided that includes objectives, TEKS correlations, and questions/tasks that are aligned to the objectives. A provided “Mastery Rubric” determines progress and proficiency in the lesson’s objectives.
In the lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies,” comprehensive lesson plans are provided with objectives, TEKS correlations, aligned questions/tasks, and a “Sight-Reading Progression” chart for formative and summative assessments of corresponding lessons.
Evaluation for 1.3b
The materials provide Lesson Overviews so educators can effectively deliver each lesson, including equipment needs, supplies, and technology (embedded and supplemental). Student-facing Lesson Overviews include a simplified view of the same. For example, in the lesson titled “Putting Together Pitch and Rhythm,” in Teacher View, the materials listed include “Listening Selections: Symphony No. 9 in E Minor,” “Londonderry Air,” “Transcription,” “Response Rubric,” and “Composition Rubric.” The “Instructional Pacing Options” document includes suggested timing for each component of the lesson in the Detailed Instructional Pacing by Unit section.
Lesson materials include a Teacher View that provides a step-by-step procedure for the lesson with approximate timing for each lesson component in the lessons titled “Concert Etiquette for Band” and “Compare & Contrast: National Anthem of the United States.”
Evaluation for 1.3c
The materials provide guidance on the effective use of lesson materials for extended practice at the conclusion of lessons, in Teacher View. This guidance includes extension suggestions that increase rigor and use real-world applications and cross-curricular alignment. For example, in “Building a Melody,” extensions allow students to create a four-measure melody in a different key or time signature, receive peer feedback, and revise and edit based on the suggestions.
The materials include suggestions for extensions in lessons. For example, in the lesson titled “Instrument Families,” an extension is provided that allows students to demonstrate each instrument, invite another band or orchestra director to play the instruments, and discuss instruments that appear outside of the band and orchestra classroom.
1.1 Course-Level Design
1.1a
Materials include a scope and sequence outlining the TEKS, ELPS, and concepts taught in the course.
Materials include a scope and sequence outlining the TEKS, ELPS, and concepts taught in the course.
2 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 1.1a
Evaluation for 1.1a
Materials include a scope and sequence outlining the TEKS, ELPS, and concepts taught in the course.
2 out of 2 points
The “Scope and Sequence with Syllabus” document also includes a “Sequence and Pacing” chart that shows the progression of skills throughout the year. It indicates the months of initial instruction, when new concepts occur, months for ongoing reinforcement and formative assessments, and months for summative assessment.
The materials include a TEKS Guide that outlines the TEKS and the concepts that are taught throughout the course, in alignment with content and grade-level standards. For example, TEKS 2.A is listed 53 times and appears in eight units throughout the course.
1.1b
Materials include suggested pacing to support effective implementation for various instructional schedules (e.g., rotational schedules) and various instructional calendars (e.g., varying number of instructional days).
Materials include suggested pacing to support effective implementation for various instructional schedules (e.g., rotational schedules) and various instructional calendars (e.g., varying number of instructional days).
3 out of 3 points
Evaluation for 1.1b
Evaluation for 1.1b
Materials include suggested pacing to support effective implementation for various instructional schedules (e.g., rotational schedules) and various instructional calendars (e.g., varying number of instructional days).
3 out of 3 points
The Instructional Leader Guide: High School provides leader-facing resources like classroom observation look-fors, coaching moves, and PLC support. It also guides educators in implementing the materials as designed. It offers three schedule options, including 10-month, single semester, and reduced calendar schedules. The guide provides a rationale for each calendar and specifies curriculum changes to cover all TEKS for each schedule option.
1.1c
Materials include an explanation for the rationale of unit order as well as how concepts to be learned connect throughout the course.
Materials include an explanation for the rationale of unit order as well as how concepts to be learned connect throughout the course.
2 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 1.1c
Evaluation for 1.1c
Materials include an explanation for the rationale of unit order as well as how concepts to be learned connect throughout the course.
2 out of 2 points
1.1d
Materials include protocols with corresponding guidance for unit and lesson internalization.
Materials include protocols with corresponding guidance for unit and lesson internalization.
2 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 1.1d
Evaluation for 1.1d
Materials include protocols with corresponding guidance for unit and lesson internalization.
2 out of 2 points
In the Instructional Implementation and Support Guide, the “Unit & Lesson Internalization” section includes clear, step-by-step instructions for effectively internalizing both the overall unit and individual lessons. This guidance helps educators understand key components of the instructional materials, prepare for instruction, and develop a deeper understanding of the content and learning objectives.
1.1e
Materials include resources and guidance for instructional leaders to support teachers with implementing the materials as designed.
Materials include resources and guidance for instructional leaders to support teachers with implementing the materials as designed.
2 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 1.1e
Evaluation for 1.1e
Materials include resources and guidance for instructional leaders to support teachers with implementing the materials as designed.
2 out of 2 points
The Instructional Leader Guide: High School provides leader-facing resources including look-fors, agendas, coaching actions, PLC materials, and guidance on interpreting assessment data. It also provides guidance to help educators implement the materials as designed.
1.2 Unit-Level Design
1.2a
Materials include comprehensive unit overviews that provide the background content knowledge and academic and discipline-specific vocabulary necessary to effectively teach the concepts in the unit.
Materials include comprehensive unit overviews that provide the background content knowledge and academic and discipline-specific vocabulary necessary to effectively teach the concepts in the unit.
1 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 1.2a
Evaluation for 1.2a
Materials include comprehensive unit overviews that provide the background content knowledge and academic and discipline-specific vocabulary necessary to effectively teach the concepts in the unit.
1 out of 2 points
The “Scope and Sequence with Syllabus” document provides conceptual descriptions, unit purposes, instructional rationale, content explanations, and implementation context. These materials incorporate the TEKS Guide, which identifies music terminology, discipline-specific concepts, technical vocabulary, and content-area language.
1.2b
Materials contain supports for families in both Spanish and English for each unit with suggestions on supporting the progress of their student.
Materials contain supports for families in both Spanish and English for each unit with suggestions on supporting the progress of their student.
0 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 1.2b
Evaluation for 1.2b
Materials contain supports for families in both Spanish and English for each unit with suggestions on supporting the progress of their student.
0 out of 2 points
The materials include a Family/Student Guide for each unit in English, with some Spanish supports like links to outside websites (Musica.com, MusicTheory.net, and Teoria.com/es). However, the family guide is the same for every unit, regardless of the unit’s topic. The Spanish vocabulary document includes only pictures that represent definitions.
1.3 Lesson-Level Design
1.3a
Materials include comprehensive, structured, detailed lesson plans that include objectives, questions, tasks, materials, and instructional assessments required to meet the content and language standards of the lesson (aligned with the TEKS and the ELPS).
Materials include comprehensive, structured, detailed lesson plans that include objectives, questions, tasks, materials, and instructional assessments required to meet the content and language standards of the lesson (aligned with the TEKS and the ELPS).
4 out of 4 points
Evaluation for 1.3a
Evaluation for 1.3a
Materials include comprehensive, structured, detailed lesson plans that include objectives, questions, tasks, materials, and instructional assessments required to meet the content and language standards of the lesson (aligned with the TEKS and the ELPS).
4 out of 4 points
In the lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies,” comprehensive lesson plans are provided with objectives, TEKS correlations, aligned questions/tasks, and a “Sight-Reading Progression” chart for formative and summative assessments of corresponding lessons.
1.3b
Materials include a lesson overview listing the teacher and student materials necessary to effectively deliver the lesson (e.g., equipment, supplies, technology) and the suggested timing for each lesson component.
Materials include a lesson overview listing the teacher and student materials necessary to effectively deliver the lesson (e.g., equipment, supplies, technology) and the suggested timing for each lesson component.
3 out of 3 points
Evaluation for 1.3b
Evaluation for 1.3b
Materials include a lesson overview listing the teacher and student materials necessary to effectively deliver the lesson (e.g., equipment, supplies, technology) and the suggested timing for each lesson component.
3 out of 3 points
Lesson materials include a Teacher View that provides a step-by-step procedure for the lesson with approximate timing for each lesson component in the lessons titled “Concert Etiquette for Band” and “Compare & Contrast: National Anthem of the United States.”
1.3c
Materials include guidance on the effective use of lesson materials for extended practice (e.g., homework, extension, enrichment).
Materials include guidance on the effective use of lesson materials for extended practice (e.g., homework, extension, enrichment).
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 1.3c
Evaluation for 1.3c
Materials include guidance on the effective use of lesson materials for extended practice (e.g., homework, extension, enrichment).
1 out of 1 points
The materials include suggestions for extensions in lessons. For example, in the lesson titled “Instrument Families,” an extension is provided that allows students to demonstrate each instrument, invite another band or orchestra director to play the instruments, and discuss instruments that appear outside of the band and orchestra classroom.
Rubric Section 2
Progress Monitoring
Materials support educators in effective implementation through frequent, strategic opportunities to monitor and respond to student progress.
Total
80% (12 out of 15 points)
Evaluation for 2.1a
The materials include a variety of assessments for lessons that can be used interchangeably as diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments. In the units called “Foundations of Music Literacy” and “Approaching a New Piece of Music,” assessments include music literacy quizzes, performance recordings, and short-answer questions. However, the diagnostic assessments that are provided do not include a skills demonstration.
Formative, summative, and diagnostic assessments are included throughout the MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum. Diagnostic assessments appear in the embedded software Auralia and Musition, particularly in units like “Band Basics,” but they use a multiple-choice format that does not assess performance skills. Formative assessments are embedded throughout lessons through activities in Auralia, Musition, and Noteflight. Summative assessments at the lesson level in units like “UIL Concert Evaluation,” “Listening and Critique,” and “Composition” require students to demonstrate mastery through performances, compositions, and written analysis.
Evaluation for 2.1b
The materials include multiple diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments. The Assessment Guide states that any assessment can be used as formative or summative. The section titled “Formative/Summative Assessments by Unit Topic” explains the types of assessments for each unit. However, it does not provide a concrete definition or detailed instructions for its intended purpose.
While platform tools like Auralia, Musition, and PracticeFirst offer assessments that support progress monitoring and skill evaluation, these materials do not clearly define assessments or explain their intended instructional use.
The materials include an “Assessment and Review” document for the program titled “Inside Music.” It is located in the Teacher View tab of the Inside Music Teacher’s Guide: Intermediate, in the unit called “Composition in Band.” This document provides a general overview of using formative and summative assessments to gauge students’ progress and understanding of key concepts. However, these materials do not specifically list each assessment and its intended purpose.
Evaluation for 2.1c
The materials include different types of assessments for use at the educator’s discretion. All embedded software—Auralia, Noteflight, PracticeFirst, and Sight Reading Factory—can support various assessment types. In the lesson “Sight-Reading Strategies,” the materials provide directions for teachers on how to use the Sight Reading Factory software.
In the lesson “Composing for Band,” the Teacher View includes a “Composition Mastery Rubric” to use when evaluating students’ work. It also provides teacher guidance to circulate the room and provide feedback, assistance, and redirection as needed.
Evaluation for 2.1d
The Assessment Guide lists and organizes all three types of assessments for the course by TEKS and unit. In the “Aural Skills Development & Practice” unit, the materials include TEKS-aligned assessments that can be used interchangeably for diagnostic, formative, or summative purposes.
The materials include a TEKS Guide that maps each assessment and activity to specific TEKS standards. This guide organizes content by the TEKS, unit, and activity, with direct links. This guidance includes diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments like quizzes, worksheets, performance tasks, and UIL evaluations. For example, the activity “Becoming Familiar with the Score” aligns with TEKS 1.H, 2.A, 2.B, 3.A, 3.B, 3.C, 3.D, 3.E, and 6.D. The guide clearly connects assessments, instructional activities, and the identified TEKS.
Evaluation for 2.1e
The Assessment Guide includes all of the assessments for the course, which are organized by the TEKS and the unit. In the lesson titled “Tuning,” the tuning assessments increase in complexity by offering six levels of quizzes that become progressively more difficult.
Performance reflection assessments allow students to reflect on a recording or their own performance and, in writing, evaluate areas of success and growth. Some embedded software offers scaffolded multiple-choice questions and evaluative recording assessments, with parameters that can be adjusted by skill level.
Evaluation for 2.2a
The materials include a “UIL Concert Rubric” and a “UIL Sight-Reading Rubric” to evaluate performance-based tasks/assessments. The rubrics outline descriptors and frequency indicators with a point value, providing guidance for interpreting student performance. These rubrics are repeated throughout the materials for listening and reflection assessments. There are also several mastery rubrics that are specific to the lesson topic. For example, in the lesson “Composing for Band,” the teacher view includes a “Composition Mastery Rubric” to use when evaluating students’ work.
The materials include embedded software programs like Auralia, Musition, and PracticeFirst, which include self-grading tools for pitch accuracy and multiple-choice grading. Results are recorded in a gradebook with opportunities for educator feedback.
Evaluation for 2.2b
The materials provide various assessments. For example, the Teacher Guide for Brass Instrument Fingering Quizzes provides guidance for using the included assessment tasks. The guide states that the quizzes can be used as diagnostic, formative, or summative assessments and are configured by grade level and instrument range. It also explains that question order and multiple-choice responses are randomized for each administration, allowing educators to reassign the quizzes to the same students multiple times. This guidance supports the repeated use of the assessment to monitor students’ performance over time. However, the materials do not provide specific guidance on selecting instructional tasks or activities in response to identified students’ performance trends.
The Teacher Guide for Aural Skills Development & Practice identifies assessments for diagnostic, formative, and summative purposes. This guide highlights Listening Worksheets Levels I–IV as diagnostic tools. The guide also identifies Auralia assessments for multiple aural skills. However, the materials do not guide educators on how to use assessment results or student performance trends to select, adjust, or implement specific instructional tasks and activities.
The MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum provides grading information through the Teacher Gradebook and the Student Gradebook. These gradebooks record results and feedback for automatically scored and educator-scored assignments and assessments. Although educators can access students’ performance data, the materials provide limited guidance for analyzing results, identifying learning gaps, or using assessment data to plan instruction.
The materials provide tasks/activities in the Assessment Guide. However, guidance on how to respond to student trends in performance is not provided. The materials state that “any tasks may be used for diagnostic, formative, or summative assessment.” But this statement does not guide educators on which assessment or task best fits student trends.
Evaluation for 2.2c
The materials include a Teacher Gradebook in Teacher View that lets educators track students’ grades and task submissions in a cumulative view, enabling individualized tracking and progress monitoring. Additionally, educators can leave feedback for individual students alongside their numerical grade.
The materials include a Student Gradebook in Student View with numerical grades and educator-generated text feedback in a cumulative view. This information allows for individualized tracking and progress monitoring. Additionally, for assignments that are automatically graded within embedded software like Auralia, Musition, and PracticeFirst, individual question feedback is provided to aid students with errors and misconceptions in tasks and assessments.
2.1 Instructional Assessments
2.1a
Materials include a variety of instructional assessments at the unit and lesson level (including diagnostic, formative, and summative) that vary in types of tasks and questions, including skills demonstration.
Materials include a variety of instructional assessments at the unit and lesson level (including diagnostic, formative, and summative) that vary in types of tasks and questions, including skills demonstration.
2 out of 3 points
Evaluation for 2.1a
Evaluation for 2.1a
Materials include a variety of instructional assessments at the unit and lesson level (including diagnostic, formative, and summative) that vary in types of tasks and questions, including skills demonstration.
2 out of 3 points
Formative, summative, and diagnostic assessments are included throughout the MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum. Diagnostic assessments appear in the embedded software Auralia and Musition, particularly in units like “Band Basics,” but they use a multiple-choice format that does not assess performance skills. Formative assessments are embedded throughout lessons through activities in Auralia, Musition, and Noteflight. Summative assessments at the lesson level in units like “UIL Concert Evaluation,” “Listening and Critique,” and “Composition” require students to demonstrate mastery through performances, compositions, and written analysis.
2.1b
Materials include the definition and intended purpose for the types of instructional assessments included.
Materials include the definition and intended purpose for the types of instructional assessments included.
0 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 2.1b
Evaluation for 2.1b
Materials include the definition and intended purpose for the types of instructional assessments included.
0 out of 1 points
While platform tools like Auralia, Musition, and PracticeFirst offer assessments that support progress monitoring and skill evaluation, these materials do not clearly define assessments or explain their intended instructional use.
The materials include an “Assessment and Review” document for the program titled “Inside Music.” It is located in the Teacher View tab of the Inside Music Teacher’s Guide: Intermediate, in the unit called “Composition in Band.” This document provides a general overview of using formative and summative assessments to gauge students’ progress and understanding of key concepts. However, these materials do not specifically list each assessment and its intended purpose.
2.1c
Materials include teacher guidance to ensure consistent and accurate administration of instructional assessments.
Materials include teacher guidance to ensure consistent and accurate administration of instructional assessments.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 2.1c
Evaluation for 2.1c
Materials include teacher guidance to ensure consistent and accurate administration of instructional assessments.
1 out of 1 points
In the lesson “Composing for Band,” the Teacher View includes a “Composition Mastery Rubric” to use when evaluating students’ work. It also provides teacher guidance to circulate the room and provide feedback, assistance, and redirection as needed.
2.1d
Diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments are aligned to the TEKS and objectives of the course, unit, or lesson.
Diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments are aligned to the TEKS and objectives of the course, unit, or lesson.
3 out of 3 points
Evaluation for 2.1d
Evaluation for 2.1d
Diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments are aligned to the TEKS and objectives of the course, unit, or lesson.
3 out of 3 points
The materials include a TEKS Guide that maps each assessment and activity to specific TEKS standards. This guide organizes content by the TEKS, unit, and activity, with direct links. This guidance includes diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments like quizzes, worksheets, performance tasks, and UIL evaluations. For example, the activity “Becoming Familiar with the Score” aligns with TEKS 1.H, 2.A, 2.B, 3.A, 3.B, 3.C, 3.D, 3.E, and 6.D. The guide clearly connects assessments, instructional activities, and the identified TEKS.
2.1e
Instructional assessments include TEKS-aligned items at varying levels of complexity.
Instructional assessments include TEKS-aligned items at varying levels of complexity.
2 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 2.1e
Evaluation for 2.1e
Instructional assessments include TEKS-aligned items at varying levels of complexity.
2 out of 2 points
Performance reflection assessments allow students to reflect on a recording or their own performance and, in writing, evaluate areas of success and growth. Some embedded software offers scaffolded multiple-choice questions and evaluative recording assessments, with parameters that can be adjusted by skill level.
2.2 Data Analysis and Progress Monitoring
2.2a
Instructional assessments and scoring information provide guidance for interpreting student performance.
Instructional assessments and scoring information provide guidance for interpreting student performance.
2 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 2.2a
Evaluation for 2.2a
Instructional assessments and scoring information provide guidance for interpreting student performance.
2 out of 2 points
The materials include embedded software programs like Auralia, Musition, and PracticeFirst, which include self-grading tools for pitch accuracy and multiple-choice grading. Results are recorded in a gradebook with opportunities for educator feedback.
2.2b
Materials provide guidance for the use of included tasks and activities to respond to student trends in performance on assessments.
Materials provide guidance for the use of included tasks and activities to respond to student trends in performance on assessments.
0 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 2.2b
Evaluation for 2.2b
Materials provide guidance for the use of included tasks and activities to respond to student trends in performance on assessments.
0 out of 1 points
The Teacher Guide for Aural Skills Development & Practice identifies assessments for diagnostic, formative, and summative purposes. This guide highlights Listening Worksheets Levels I–IV as diagnostic tools. The guide also identifies Auralia assessments for multiple aural skills. However, the materials do not guide educators on how to use assessment results or student performance trends to select, adjust, or implement specific instructional tasks and activities.
The MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum provides grading information through the Teacher Gradebook and the Student Gradebook. These gradebooks record results and feedback for automatically scored and educator-scored assignments and assessments. Although educators can access students’ performance data, the materials provide limited guidance for analyzing results, identifying learning gaps, or using assessment data to plan instruction.
The materials provide tasks/activities in the Assessment Guide. However, guidance on how to respond to student trends in performance is not provided. The materials state that “any tasks may be used for diagnostic, formative, or summative assessment.” But this statement does not guide educators on which assessment or task best fits student trends.
2.2c
Materials include tools for teachers to track student progress and growth and tools for students to track their own progress and growth.
Materials include tools for teachers to track student progress and growth and tools for students to track their own progress and growth.
2 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 2.2c
Evaluation for 2.2c
Materials include tools for teachers to track student progress and growth and tools for students to track their own progress and growth.
2 out of 2 points
The materials include a Student Gradebook in Student View with numerical grades and educator-generated text feedback in a cumulative view. This information allows for individualized tracking and progress monitoring. Additionally, for assignments that are automatically graded within embedded software like Auralia, Musition, and PracticeFirst, individual question feedback is provided to aid students with errors and misconceptions in tasks and assessments.
Rubric Section 3
Supports for All Learners
Materials support educators in reaching all learners through design focused on engagement, representation, and action/expression for learner variability.
Total
100% (21 out of 21 points)
Evaluation for 3.1a
The Emergent Bilingual Guide provides educators with multiple support systems for emergent bilingual (EB) students. Scaffolded target points are provided for Beginning EB, Intermediate EB, and Advanced EB students. Also provided are sentence stems, cognates, bilingual discourse routines, and word walls, along with scaffolding in the lessons titled “Compare & Contrast: National Anthem of the United States” and “Sight-Reading Strategies.”
The lesson titled “Compare & Contrast: National Anthem of the United States” includes general scaffolds for below-proficiency students like sentence frames, a rubric-based rating scale, chunked listening (20–30 seconds, then full recording paused at sections), three named critique lenses, and a word wall that makes the grade-level task accessible at the point of use.
Evaluation for 3.1b
The lesson titled “Compare & Contrast: National Anthem of the United States” pre-teaches vocabulary terms and references in multiple sections. For example, jargon and assessment terms are pre-taught with word-based definitions and an attached vocabulary list, “including translations for bilingual support.” The lesson pre-teaches historical references as “fast facts” before further exploration and investigation.
Additionally, the lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies” pre-teaches unfamiliar terms that students need to know (e.g., meter, key signature, tempo, interval, and fluency) with word-based definitions at the start of the lesson. The educator re-embeds those definitions during review and also supports students with fingering charts.
Evaluation for 3.1c
The lesson titled “Compare & Contrast: National Anthem of the United States” includes a dedicated “Extensions” section with guidance to deepen the same skill: analyze the arranger’s expressive choices with cited evidence, critique and rank a third rendition against the exemplar, write prioritized coaching notes, or lead a small-group critique.
Additionally, the lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies” provides an enrichment/extension set that prompts students to go deeper in the same skill: coach a peer, raise SRF difficulty/tempo/keys/intervals, sight-read from a method book in PracticeFirst under real-world conditions, or role-play an audition as performer and adjudicator.
Evaluation for 3.1d
The lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies” includes a dedicated specially designed instruction (SDI) section that provides concrete accommodations—e.g., using SRF’s Custom level to limit to quarter notes/rests, easy rhythm difficulty, a range of a fifth, a maximum leap of a second starting on the tonic, four measures, and turning on the metronome and cursor, plus Free-Play playback to hear the example first—plus this in-procedure step: “show SDI students how to slow tempo and limit to free play mode.”
The “Bilingual Music Vocabulary” chart includes musical terms paired with a pictorial representation. The visual supports adapt the content and its representation so students who need reduced text load, receptive-language support, or reading support can access the same discipline-specific vocabulary non-textually.
Evaluation for 3.2a
In the lesson titled “Composing for Band,” the educator is prompted to model composing a short rhythmic, then melodic, idea in the software by choosing key/meter, writing a rhythm, playing it back, moving pitches into a melody, adding dynamics and articulation, and narrating throughout. The educator repeats this process with the class making decisions (guided), then prompts students to compose independently.
The materials include a lesson titled “Becoming Familiar with the Score,” which provides prompts and guidance to support educators in modeling and explaining concepts. For example, the lesson’s Teacher View includes a bulleted list prompting educators to “have students read and work through the steps.” Additionally, educators are prompted to “guide students through sight-reading the piece.”
Evaluation for 3.2b
The lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies” includes educator guidance and recommendations for effective lesson delivery and facilitation. Educators can use a variety of instructional approaches, including counting, naming notes and fingering, playing, adjusting speed and difficulty, providing direct feedback, and prompting students to use SRF for feedback. This lesson also includes extensions, SDI alterations, and enrichment opportunities using different materials.
The materials include educator guidance for delivery of the lesson titled “Small Ensemble Listening and Critique,” such as “arrange for students/groups of students to complete this activity round-robin style.” The guidance prompts the educator to “facilitate as students brainstorm practice strategies to help improve” and to execute the activity “round-robin style.”
Evaluation for 3.2c
In the lesson titled “Becoming Familiar with the Score,” the materials provide independent, guided, and collaborative practice. The guidance gives students multiple opportunities to provide feedback on their own performance, individually and as a whole group. In the lesson titled “Solo Performer Listening and Critique,” students work in small groups and perform individually for each other. The educator provides guided practice by monitoring and encouraging each group.
The materials support multiple types of practice, including guided practice (through educator modeling and rehearsal activities), independent practice (through Auralia, Musition, and PracticeFirst; reflections; critiques; and composition tasks), and collaborative practice (through ensemble work, peer buddies, section leaders, peer coaching, and small-group reinforcement). The materials also provide implementation guidance using whole-group, small-group, and individual structures, including differentiated assignments, ensemble and sectional work, independent activities, flipped classroom options, and software tools designed for full-class, group, or individual use.
Evaluation for 3.3a
The Teacher Guides for the units “Music, Society, & Technology” and “Music Reading/Theory Skills Development & Practice” provide a grid with detailed ELPS guidance and correlations. Differentiated supports include levels such as pre-production, beginning, intermediate, and advanced. Both Teacher Guides also include a family software guide in both English and Spanish.
At the beginning of the unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment,” the Teacher Guide includes a chart in the section titled “Detailed ELPS Guidance with Correlations.” This chart is designed to engage students in using increasingly more academic and discipline-specific language for each activity throughout the unit.
Evaluation for 3.3b
The materials include implementation guidance to help educators use materials that provide ELPS-aligned supports and linguistic accommodations for EB students. For example, the Teacher Guides in the units called “The Foundations of Music Literacy” and “Aural Skills Development and Practice” include English and Spanish translations of software guides and a grid with ELPS-aligned support for students at various levels.
The materials provide implementation guidance for state-approved Transitional Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) models using specific bilingual supports and ELPS-aligned language objectives. The “English/Spanish Vocabulary” document serves as the designated resource for bilingual vocabulary instruction, cognate support, and coordinated language development in these program models.
Evaluation for 3.3c
The Teacher Guidance: Emergent Bilingual Students, Band Basics guide includes embedded, educator-facing guidance that supports EB students across all four required areas—vocabulary, comprehension, background knowledge, and cross-linguistic connections—through both oral and written discourse, with oral and written strategies kept distinct and recurring throughout the program. Each guide includes unit-specific vocabulary and concepts.
The “Bilingual Music Vocabulary” chart supports vocabulary and cross-linguistic-connection strands. For each music discipline-specific term, it provides the English term, an English definition, and a Spanish definition in words. It also builds explicit cross-linguistic connections through a cognate bridge that distinguishes true cognates from “false friends.”
Evaluation for 3.3d
This guidance does not apply because the program is not designed as a dual language immersion (DLI) program.
3.1 Differentiation and Scaffolds
3.1a
Materials include teacher guidance for differentiated instruction, activities, and/or paired (scaffolded) lessons for students who have not yet reached proficiency on content and skills in the course TEKS.
Materials include teacher guidance for differentiated instruction, activities, and/or paired (scaffolded) lessons for students who have not yet reached proficiency on content and skills in the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 3.1a
Evaluation for 3.1a
Materials include teacher guidance for differentiated instruction, activities, and/or paired (scaffolded) lessons for students who have not yet reached proficiency on content and skills in the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
The lesson titled “Compare & Contrast: National Anthem of the United States” includes general scaffolds for below-proficiency students like sentence frames, a rubric-based rating scale, chunked listening (20–30 seconds, then full recording paused at sections), three named critique lenses, and a word wall that makes the grade-level task accessible at the point of use.
3.1b
Materials include pre-teaching or embedded supports for unfamiliar vocabulary and references in text (e.g., figurative language, idioms, academic and discipline-specific language).
Materials include pre-teaching or embedded supports for unfamiliar vocabulary and references in text (e.g., figurative language, idioms, academic and discipline-specific language).
2 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 3.1b
Evaluation for 3.1b
Materials include pre-teaching or embedded supports for unfamiliar vocabulary and references in text (e.g., figurative language, idioms, academic and discipline-specific language).
2 out of 2 points
Additionally, the lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies” pre-teaches unfamiliar terms that students need to know (e.g., meter, key signature, tempo, interval, and fluency) with word-based definitions at the start of the lesson. The educator re-embeds those definitions during review and also supports students with fingering charts.
3.1c
Materials include teacher guidance for differentiated instruction, enrichment, and extension activities for students who have demonstrated proficiency in content and skills in the course TEKS.
Materials include teacher guidance for differentiated instruction, enrichment, and extension activities for students who have demonstrated proficiency in content and skills in the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 3.1c
Evaluation for 3.1c
Materials include teacher guidance for differentiated instruction, enrichment, and extension activities for students who have demonstrated proficiency in content and skills in the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
Additionally, the lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies” provides an enrichment/extension set that prompts students to go deeper in the same skill: coach a peer, raise SRF difficulty/tempo/keys/intervals, sight-read from a method book in PracticeFirst under real-world conditions, or role-play an audition as performer and adjudicator.
3.1d
Materials include teacher guidance for providing specially designed instruction (SDI) for students receiving supports and services through special education.
Materials include teacher guidance for providing specially designed instruction (SDI) for students receiving supports and services through special education.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 3.1d
Evaluation for 3.1d
Materials include teacher guidance for providing specially designed instruction (SDI) for students receiving supports and services through special education.
1 out of 1 points
The “Bilingual Music Vocabulary” chart includes musical terms paired with a pictorial representation. The visual supports adapt the content and its representation so students who need reduced text load, receptive-language support, or reading support can access the same discipline-specific vocabulary non-textually.
3.2 Instructional Methods
3.2a
Materials include explicit (direct) prompts and guidance to support the teacher in modeling and explaining the concept(s) to be learned.
Materials include explicit (direct) prompts and guidance to support the teacher in modeling and explaining the concept(s) to be learned.
2 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 3.2a
Evaluation for 3.2a
Materials include explicit (direct) prompts and guidance to support the teacher in modeling and explaining the concept(s) to be learned.
2 out of 2 points
The materials include a lesson titled “Becoming Familiar with the Score,” which provides prompts and guidance to support educators in modeling and explaining concepts. For example, the lesson’s Teacher View includes a bulleted list prompting educators to “have students read and work through the steps.” Additionally, educators are prompted to “guide students through sight-reading the piece.”
3.2b
Materials include teacher guidance and recommendations for effective lesson delivery and facilitation using a variety of instructional approaches.
Materials include teacher guidance and recommendations for effective lesson delivery and facilitation using a variety of instructional approaches.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 3.2b
Evaluation for 3.2b
Materials include teacher guidance and recommendations for effective lesson delivery and facilitation using a variety of instructional approaches.
1 out of 1 points
The materials include educator guidance for delivery of the lesson titled “Small Ensemble Listening and Critique,” such as “arrange for students/groups of students to complete this activity round-robin style.” The guidance prompts the educator to “facilitate as students brainstorm practice strategies to help improve” and to execute the activity “round-robin style.”
3.2c
Materials support multiple types of practice (e.g., guided, independent, collaborative) and include guidance for teachers and recommended structures (e.g., whole group, small group, individual) to support effective implementation.
Materials support multiple types of practice (e.g., guided, independent, collaborative) and include guidance for teachers and recommended structures (e.g., whole group, small group, individual) to support effective implementation.
2 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 3.2c
Evaluation for 3.2c
Materials support multiple types of practice (e.g., guided, independent, collaborative) and include guidance for teachers and recommended structures (e.g., whole group, small group, individual) to support effective implementation.
2 out of 2 points
The materials support multiple types of practice, including guided practice (through educator modeling and rehearsal activities), independent practice (through Auralia, Musition, and PracticeFirst; reflections; critiques; and composition tasks), and collaborative practice (through ensemble work, peer buddies, section leaders, peer coaching, and small-group reinforcement). The materials also provide implementation guidance using whole-group, small-group, and individual structures, including differentiated assignments, ensemble and sectional work, independent activities, flipped classroom options, and software tools designed for full-class, group, or individual use.
3.3 Support for Emergent Bilingual Students
3.3a
Materials include teacher guidance on providing linguistic accommodations for various levels of language proficiency [as defined by the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS)], which are designed to engage students in using increasingly more academic and discipline-specific language.
Materials include teacher guidance on providing linguistic accommodations for various levels of language proficiency [as defined by the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS)], which are designed to engage students in using increasingly more academic and discipline-specific language.
2 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 3.3a
Evaluation for 3.3a
Materials include teacher guidance on providing linguistic accommodations for various levels of language proficiency [as defined by the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS)], which are designed to engage students in using increasingly more academic and discipline-specific language.
2 out of 2 points
At the beginning of the unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment,” the Teacher Guide includes a chart in the section titled “Detailed ELPS Guidance with Correlations.” This chart is designed to engage students in using increasingly more academic and discipline-specific language for each activity throughout the unit.
3.3b
Materials include implementation guidance to support teachers in effectively using the materials in state-approved bilingual/ESL programs.
Materials include implementation guidance to support teachers in effectively using the materials in state-approved bilingual/ESL programs.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 3.3b
Evaluation for 3.3b
Materials include implementation guidance to support teachers in effectively using the materials in state-approved bilingual/ESL programs.
1 out of 1 points
The materials provide implementation guidance for state-approved Transitional Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) models using specific bilingual supports and ELPS-aligned language objectives. The “English/Spanish Vocabulary” document serves as the designated resource for bilingual vocabulary instruction, cognate support, and coordinated language development in these program models.
3.3c
Materials include embedded guidance for teachers to support emergent bilingual students in developing academic and discipline-specific vocabulary, increasing comprehension, building background knowledge, and making cross-linguistic connections through oral and written discourse.
Materials include embedded guidance for teachers to support emergent bilingual students in developing academic and discipline-specific vocabulary, increasing comprehension, building background knowledge, and making cross-linguistic connections through oral and written discourse.
8 out of 8 points
Evaluation for 3.3c
Evaluation for 3.3c
Materials include embedded guidance for teachers to support emergent bilingual students in developing academic and discipline-specific vocabulary, increasing comprehension, building background knowledge, and making cross-linguistic connections through oral and written discourse.
8 out of 8 points
The “Bilingual Music Vocabulary” chart supports vocabulary and cross-linguistic-connection strands. For each music discipline-specific term, it provides the English term, an English definition, and a Spanish definition in words. It also builds explicit cross-linguistic connections through a cognate bridge that distinguishes true cognates from “false friends.”
3.3d
If designed for dual language immersion (DLI) programs, materials include resources that outline opportunities to address metalinguistic transfer from English to the partner language.
If designed for dual language immersion (DLI) programs, materials include resources that outline opportunities to address metalinguistic transfer from English to the partner language.
Not applicable.
Evaluation for 3.3d
Evaluation for 3.3d
If designed for dual language immersion (DLI) programs, materials include resources that outline opportunities to address metalinguistic transfer from English to the partner language.
Not applicable.
Rubric Section 4
Artistic Literacy and Creative Expression
Materials are designed to develop and refine discipline-specific artistic knowledge and skills while providing opportunities for students to perform, exhibit, or present artistic works.
Total
56% (9 out of 16 points)
Evaluation for 4.1a
The materials include lesson plans with instructional guidance that includes the use of discipline-specific artistic literacy. For example, in the unit called “Sight Reading IV,” the Teacher View of the lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies” includes detailed step-by-step procedures with at least four to six bullet points with information on instructing students through the lesson. The teacher guidance includes information that focuses on discipline-specific artistic literacy, such as “Use the criteria in the Mastery Rubric below to give specific, targeted feedback as students work through each step.”
The materials include student-facing activities, videos, and repertoire with discipline-specific artistic literacy components. The “Scope & Sequence with Syllabus” document lists lessons and activities and their intended purposes. For example, in the unit called “Foundations of Music Literacy IV,” the lesson titled “Musical Terms & Symbols: Tempo, Dynamics, Articulation, & Repeat Signs” states that it includes “lessons with accompanying assessments via Focus on Sound multimedia software.” The lesson then lists activities students will perform with the software.
Evaluation for 4.1b
MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV lessons include activities that build on prior knowledge from earlier lessons. For example, in the unit called “Composition in Band IV: Inside Music, Advanced,” the lesson titled “Layers and Counterpoint” prompts students to watch an instructional video. Then, students are asked to apply discipline-specific artistic literacy in the assessments. In “UIL Concert Evaluation and Band Performance: Firing on All Cylinders (UIL 5),” students must already possess artistic literacy to complete the music practice assessment. However, none of the materials explicitly connect new discipline-specific artistic literacy to prior learning across lessons and units in the course.
The materials do not explicitly connect new discipline-specific artistic literacy to prior learning across lessons and units in the course and across courses. For example, in “Foundations of Music Literacy IV: Read, Count, Perform, & Create with Asymmetrical Meter,” basic rhythms are mentioned, but this information is not tied to new information or how the two are connected. Students are not asked to connect prior knowledge to the new material that is introduced. Similarly, in “Band Basics IV: Listen, Move, Conduct,” students are asked to tap their pulse and conduct, but there are no explicit connections to other learning from the course or previous courses.
Evaluation for 4.1c
The materials provide opportunities for students to develop discipline-specific artistic literacy vocabulary. For example, in the unit called “Foundations of Music Literacy IV,” the lessons titled “Key Signatures,” “Musical Terms & Symbols: Tempo, Dynamics, Articulation, & Repeat Signs,” and “Musical Form/Structure II” contain activities in the Focus on Sound multimedia software that teach discipline-specific vocabulary. Activities include vocabulary related to rhythm, meter, time signatures, key signatures, tempo, dynamics, articulation, intervals, textures, and modes. However, opportunities for students to use these vocabulary terms are inconsistent across the curriculum.
In the unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV,” the lesson titled “Star-Spangled Banner: Compare & Contrast” provides minimal opportunity for students to use discipline-specific artistic vocabulary. After students watch two videos, they are asked one question and given space for a long answer. The question states, “Be sure to use as much music vocabulary as you can when describing the performances.” However, students are not provided with support or vocabulary to use in their responses.
Evaluation for 4.1d
In the unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment,” the lesson titled “Small Ensemble Listening and Critique” includes an activity that allows students to demonstrate their artistic literacy by performing for a small group of peers. Additionally, in the unit called “Approaching a New Piece of Music,” the lesson titled “Responding to Performances” instructs students to use their artistic literacy to critique a performance using discipline-specific vocabulary.
In “Aural Skills Development & Practice I: Rhythm Dictation, Level IV (Intermediate),” a rhythm dictation quiz requires students to demonstrate discipline-specific artistic literacy by writing out musical rhythms after hearing them. The instructions state, “Extracts will be four bars in length in 6/8, 12/8, 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4 time, played melodically, and contain half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, dotted quarter notes, [and] dotted eighth notes.”
Evaluation for 4.2a
In the lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies,” the educator is prompted to introduce and demonstrate the 1-2-3 process (clap the rhythm, finger the pitches without rhythm, then play both while narrating) and model navigating trouble spots. Then, the educator leads the whole group through a unison example before students work in pairs and independently, facilitating a gradual release model (I Do/We Do/You Do).
The lesson titled “Composing for Band” includes procedures for the educator to model composing a short rhythmic, then melodic, idea in the software — choosing key/meter, writing a rhythm, playing it back, moving pitches into a melody, adding dynamics and articulation, and narrating throughout. The educator repeats this process with the class making decisions (guided), then prompts students to compose independently.
Evaluation for 4.2b
The materials include opportunities for students to develop discipline-specific artistic skills throughout the course. However, they do not consistently connect new artistic skills to skills students learned earlier across lessons and units. For example, in “Foundations of Music Literacy IV: Following Music,” activities use the Focus on Sound multimedia software to introduce artistic skills such as tracking music with their eyes and music theory terminology. Additionally, in “Foundations of Music Literacy IV: Meter Mastery,” the student-facing text explains the basic concepts of meter and time signatures. However, neither example explicitly connects new discipline-specific artistic skills to prior learning across lessons and units in the course.
Lesson plans throughout the MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum do not give students opportunities to review and connect previously learned artistic skills before introducing new content. For example, in the unit called “Foundations of Music Literacy IV,” the lesson titled “Read, Count, Perform, & Create with Asymmetric Meter” introduces students to complex meters. The lesson states, “You are probably an expert at counting and performing rhythms in Common Time (4/4).” However, students are not asked to apply or extend their prior knowledge of Common Time to support their understanding of asymmetric meter. The lesson does not include instructional guidance that explicitly prompts students to connect their understanding of Common Time to the new concept of asymmetric meter. The materials do not explicitly connect previously learned rhythmic concepts to the new content through a progression of discipline-specific artistic skills.
Evaluation for 4.2c
In the lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies,” students develop the skill by performing sight-reading repeatedly and presenting to their peers. “Partner & Practice” lets students take turns playing and giving feedback on a new example each round, requiring every student to perform and evaluate at least once.
In the unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV,” the lesson titled “Winter Concert Reflection” provides opportunities for students to develop discipline-specific artistic skills that are aligned with the course’s TEKS. For example, students use a performance recording and the “UIL Band Concert Evaluation Rubric” to evaluate the ensemble’s tone, technique, and musical understanding. This lesson prompts students to respond to open-ended questions, such as “Describe the ensemble’s musical expression,” to reflect on the performance.
Evaluation for 4.2d
The materials provide opportunities for students to refine discipline-specific artistic skills through activities and tasks. For example, in the unit called “Sight Reading IV,” all lessons use either Sight Reading Factory or PracticeFirst multimedia software to help students refine discipline-specific artistic skills through a range of activities and tasks. Additionally, the multimedia software Auralia, used in all lessons in the unit “Aural Skills Development & Practice IV,” progressively increases in complexity from lesson to lesson.
The lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies” outlines rigor in the attached “Sight-Reading Progression” chart and the Differentiation variables (level, rhythm difficulty, key, tempo, interval, range, and number of measures). As students progress, the educator repeats the process with progressively harder examples, increasing rigor while refining discipline-specific skills throughout the course.
Evaluation for 4.2e
The lesson titled “Composing for Band” includes a culminating task that prompts students to create a multi-part composition that is scored by the “Composition Mastery Rubric,” and students must present it for the ensemble to sight-read.
The lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies” culminates in a “Mastery Level Sight-Reading” task in which students perform a sight-reading task that is scored by the “Mastery Rubric” (self-, peer-, and educator-scored) on the initial read. The educator is prompted to “score the recording against the ‘Mastery Rubric’ to evaluate demonstrated mastery of the 1-2-3 process, rhythmic accuracy, pitch accuracy, and tempo/fluency” through performing, exhibiting, or presenting at a developmentally appropriate level and in alignment with the course’s TEKS.
Evaluation for 4.3a
The MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum provides limited opportunities to explore a variety of art forms through different media, performance genres, and styles. For example, the units “UIL Concert Evaluation and Band Performance Music IV” and “Warm-Ups & Independent Practice IV” include lessons and activities centered on concert band repertoire, such as “Salvation is Created (UIL 4)” and “Bright Light in the World (UIL 5).” While students perform a variety of concert band selections, the materials do not include opportunities to explore additional performance genres, musical styles, or other discipline-specific art forms. Instead, the activities ask students to perform the selected repertoire using the PracticeFirst software or listen to recordings through the Focus on Sound platform.
The materials do not provide a variety of means, through differing media, performance genres, or styles, for students to explore discipline-specific art forms. For example, the unit called ”Warm-Ups & Independent Practice IV” includes a range of concert band literature. However, the lessons are limited to this performance genre and do not include opportunities to engage with a broader range of musical genres or styles. Students perform assigned pieces using the PracticeFirst software, which focuses on pitch and rhythm accuracy. The materials consistently rely on this instructional format and do not give students opportunities to explore discipline-specific art forms through varied media or compare and contrast different musical genres and styles.
Evaluation for 4.3b
The materials include opportunities for students to create, adapt, or extend discipline-specific artistic works for performance, exhibition, or presentation (in line with appropriate fair use and copyright). For example, in the unit called “Texas Songbook I,” the lesson titled “Texas Songbook Discovery & Creativity” provides students with the opportunity to adapt a Texas song and perform it in a new way. The instructions in this lesson give the following example: “What would ‘Streets of Laredo’ sound like with a hip-hop backing track?” Similarly, in the unit called “Music, Society & Technology IV,” the lesson titled “Gwyneth Walker: ‘Happy Birthday’ March” includes instructions to “use Noteflight to create a composition or arrangement of a public domain tune.”
Throughout the MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum, opportunities are provided for students to create, adapt, or extend discipline-specific artistic works for performance, exhibition, or presentation (in line with appropriate fair use and copyright). For example, in the unit called “Composition in Band IV: Inside Music Advanced,” the lesson titled “Composing for Band” allows students to create a new piece of music through the outlined composition process, and then perform it for at least one partner and request feedback. At the end of the lesson, the materials state, “Have students volunteer to share a composition with the class for the ensemble to sight-read.”
Evaluation for 4.3c
The MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum gives students opportunities to exercise agency by creating or selecting discipline-specific artistic works for study. For example, “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV,” “Solo Performer Listening and Critique,” and “Small Ensemble Listening and Critique” instruct students to choose a piece to perform for their small peer group. However, the materials do not guide educators in intentionally promoting student agency. Additionally, the instructions state, “You should include scales, exercises, etudes, and repertoire that your ensemble is currently studying.” But this guidance does not give students agency in selecting their own artistic works.
The materials give students opportunities to create or select discipline-specific artistic works for study, performance, exhibition, or presentation. For example, “Listening, Critique & Self-Assessment IV” and “Playlist Challenge” give students parameters for selecting and nominating pieces for their “Best Ever” playlist. The teacher view offers no guidance on promoting student agency in selecting discipline-specific artistic works. The students are given the following instructions: “The goal is to explore additional music . . . not just think about pieces you have played.” The teacher’s view provides instructions on the parameters of the music but does not guide educators in helping students select music on their own.
4.1 Artistic Literacy
4.1a
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction in discipline-specific artistic literacy in alignment with the course TEKS.
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction in discipline-specific artistic literacy in alignment with the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 4.1a
Evaluation for 4.1a
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction in discipline-specific artistic literacy in alignment with the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
The materials include student-facing activities, videos, and repertoire with discipline-specific artistic literacy components. The “Scope & Sequence with Syllabus” document lists lessons and activities and their intended purposes. For example, in the unit called “Foundations of Music Literacy IV,” the lesson titled “Musical Terms & Symbols: Tempo, Dynamics, Articulation, & Repeat Signs” states that it includes “lessons with accompanying assessments via Focus on Sound multimedia software.” The lesson then lists activities students will perform with the software.
4.1b
Materials explicitly connect new discipline-specific artistic literacy to prior learning across lessons and units within the course and across courses as applicable.
Materials explicitly connect new discipline-specific artistic literacy to prior learning across lessons and units within the course and across courses as applicable.
0 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 4.1b
Evaluation for 4.1b
Materials explicitly connect new discipline-specific artistic literacy to prior learning across lessons and units within the course and across courses as applicable.
0 out of 2 points
The materials do not explicitly connect new discipline-specific artistic literacy to prior learning across lessons and units in the course and across courses. For example, in “Foundations of Music Literacy IV: Read, Count, Perform, & Create with Asymmetrical Meter,” basic rhythms are mentioned, but this information is not tied to new information or how the two are connected. Students are not asked to connect prior knowledge to the new material that is introduced. Similarly, in “Band Basics IV: Listen, Move, Conduct,” students are asked to tap their pulse and conduct, but there are no explicit connections to other learning from the course or previous courses.
4.1c
Materials consistently provide opportunities for students to develop and use discipline-specific artistic literacy vocabulary.
Materials consistently provide opportunities for students to develop and use discipline-specific artistic literacy vocabulary.
1 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 4.1c
Evaluation for 4.1c
Materials consistently provide opportunities for students to develop and use discipline-specific artistic literacy vocabulary.
1 out of 2 points
In the unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV,” the lesson titled “Star-Spangled Banner: Compare & Contrast” provides minimal opportunity for students to use discipline-specific artistic vocabulary. After students watch two videos, they are asked one question and given space for a long answer. The question states, “Be sure to use as much music vocabulary as you can when describing the performances.” However, students are not provided with support or vocabulary to use in their responses.
4.1d
Materials include activities and tasks that require students to demonstrate understanding of discipline-specific artistic literacy in alignment with the course TEKS.
Materials include activities and tasks that require students to demonstrate understanding of discipline-specific artistic literacy in alignment with the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 4.1d
Evaluation for 4.1d
Materials include activities and tasks that require students to demonstrate understanding of discipline-specific artistic literacy in alignment with the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
In “Aural Skills Development & Practice I: Rhythm Dictation, Level IV (Intermediate),” a rhythm dictation quiz requires students to demonstrate discipline-specific artistic literacy by writing out musical rhythms after hearing them. The instructions state, “Extracts will be four bars in length in 6/8, 12/8, 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4 time, played melodically, and contain half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, dotted quarter notes, [and] dotted eighth notes.”
4.2 Artistic Skill
4.2a
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction in discipline-specific artistic skills at developmentally appropriate levels and in alignment with the course TEKS.
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction in discipline-specific artistic skills at developmentally appropriate levels and in alignment with the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 4.2a
Evaluation for 4.2a
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction in discipline-specific artistic skills at developmentally appropriate levels and in alignment with the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
The lesson titled “Composing for Band” includes procedures for the educator to model composing a short rhythmic, then melodic, idea in the software — choosing key/meter, writing a rhythm, playing it back, moving pitches into a melody, adding dynamics and articulation, and narrating throughout. The educator repeats this process with the class making decisions (guided), then prompts students to compose independently.
4.2b
Materials explicitly connect new discipline-specific artistic skills to prior learning across lessons and units within the course and across courses as applicable.
Materials explicitly connect new discipline-specific artistic skills to prior learning across lessons and units within the course and across courses as applicable.
0 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 4.2b
Evaluation for 4.2b
Materials explicitly connect new discipline-specific artistic skills to prior learning across lessons and units within the course and across courses as applicable.
0 out of 2 points
Lesson plans throughout the MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum do not give students opportunities to review and connect previously learned artistic skills before introducing new content. For example, in the unit called “Foundations of Music Literacy IV,” the lesson titled “Read, Count, Perform, & Create with Asymmetric Meter” introduces students to complex meters. The lesson states, “You are probably an expert at counting and performing rhythms in Common Time (4/4).” However, students are not asked to apply or extend their prior knowledge of Common Time to support their understanding of asymmetric meter. The lesson does not include instructional guidance that explicitly prompts students to connect their understanding of Common Time to the new concept of asymmetric meter. The materials do not explicitly connect previously learned rhythmic concepts to the new content through a progression of discipline-specific artistic skills.
4.2c
Materials provide opportunities for students to develop discipline-specific artistic skills through performing, exhibiting, or presenting artistic works at developmentally appropriate levels and in alignment with the course TEKS.
Materials provide opportunities for students to develop discipline-specific artistic skills through performing, exhibiting, or presenting artistic works at developmentally appropriate levels and in alignment with the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 4.2c
Evaluation for 4.2c
Materials provide opportunities for students to develop discipline-specific artistic skills through performing, exhibiting, or presenting artistic works at developmentally appropriate levels and in alignment with the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
In the unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV,” the lesson titled “Winter Concert Reflection” provides opportunities for students to develop discipline-specific artistic skills that are aligned with the course’s TEKS. For example, students use a performance recording and the “UIL Band Concert Evaluation Rubric” to evaluate the ensemble’s tone, technique, and musical understanding. This lesson prompts students to respond to open-ended questions, such as “Describe the ensemble’s musical expression,” to reflect on the performance.
4.2d
Materials provide opportunities for students to refine discipline-specific artistic skills through activities and tasks that progressively increase in rigor and complexity over lessons and units within the course.
Materials provide opportunities for students to refine discipline-specific artistic skills through activities and tasks that progressively increase in rigor and complexity over lessons and units within the course.
2 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 4.2d
Evaluation for 4.2d
Materials provide opportunities for students to refine discipline-specific artistic skills through activities and tasks that progressively increase in rigor and complexity over lessons and units within the course.
2 out of 2 points
The lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies” outlines rigor in the attached “Sight-Reading Progression” chart and the Differentiation variables (level, rhythm difficulty, key, tempo, interval, range, and number of measures). As students progress, the educator repeats the process with progressively harder examples, increasing rigor while refining discipline-specific skills throughout the course.
4.2e
Materials include activities and tasks that require students to demonstrate mastery of discipline-specific artistic skills through performing, exhibiting, or presenting artistic works at developmentally appropriate levels and in alignment with the course TEKS.
Materials include activities and tasks that require students to demonstrate mastery of discipline-specific artistic skills through performing, exhibiting, or presenting artistic works at developmentally appropriate levels and in alignment with the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 4.2e
Evaluation for 4.2e
Materials include activities and tasks that require students to demonstrate mastery of discipline-specific artistic skills through performing, exhibiting, or presenting artistic works at developmentally appropriate levels and in alignment with the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
The lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies” culminates in a “Mastery Level Sight-Reading” task in which students perform a sight-reading task that is scored by the “Mastery Rubric” (self-, peer-, and educator-scored) on the initial read. The educator is prompted to “score the recording against the ‘Mastery Rubric’ to evaluate demonstrated mastery of the 1-2-3 process, rhythmic accuracy, pitch accuracy, and tempo/fluency” through performing, exhibiting, or presenting at a developmentally appropriate level and in alignment with the course’s TEKS.
4.3 Creative Expression
4.3a
Materials provide opportunities for students to explore a variety of discipline-specific art forms (e.g., variety of media, variety of performance genres and styles).
Materials provide opportunities for students to explore a variety of discipline-specific art forms (e.g., variety of media, variety of performance genres and styles).
0 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 4.3a
Evaluation for 4.3a
Materials provide opportunities for students to explore a variety of discipline-specific art forms (e.g., variety of media, variety of performance genres and styles).
0 out of 1 points
The materials do not provide a variety of means, through differing media, performance genres, or styles, for students to explore discipline-specific art forms. For example, the unit called ”Warm-Ups & Independent Practice IV” includes a range of concert band literature. However, the lessons are limited to this performance genre and do not include opportunities to engage with a broader range of musical genres or styles. Students perform assigned pieces using the PracticeFirst software, which focuses on pitch and rhythm accuracy. The materials consistently rely on this instructional format and do not give students opportunities to explore discipline-specific art forms through varied media or compare and contrast different musical genres and styles.
4.3b
Materials provide opportunities for students to create, adapt, or extend discipline-specific artistic works for performance, exhibition, or presentation (in line with appropriate fair use and copyright).
Materials provide opportunities for students to create, adapt, or extend discipline-specific artistic works for performance, exhibition, or presentation (in line with appropriate fair use and copyright).
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 4.3b
Evaluation for 4.3b
Materials provide opportunities for students to create, adapt, or extend discipline-specific artistic works for performance, exhibition, or presentation (in line with appropriate fair use and copyright).
1 out of 1 points
Throughout the MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum, opportunities are provided for students to create, adapt, or extend discipline-specific artistic works for performance, exhibition, or presentation (in line with appropriate fair use and copyright). For example, in the unit called “Composition in Band IV: Inside Music Advanced,” the lesson titled “Composing for Band” allows students to create a new piece of music through the outlined composition process, and then perform it for at least one partner and request feedback. At the end of the lesson, the materials state, “Have students volunteer to share a composition with the class for the ensemble to sight-read.”
4.3c
Materials include guidance for teachers on promoting student agency in making or selecting discipline-specific artistic works for study, performance, exhibition, or presentation.
Materials include guidance for teachers on promoting student agency in making or selecting discipline-specific artistic works for study, performance, exhibition, or presentation.
0 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 4.3c
Evaluation for 4.3c
Materials include guidance for teachers on promoting student agency in making or selecting discipline-specific artistic works for study, performance, exhibition, or presentation.
0 out of 1 points
The materials give students opportunities to create or select discipline-specific artistic works for study, performance, exhibition, or presentation. For example, “Listening, Critique & Self-Assessment IV” and “Playlist Challenge” give students parameters for selecting and nominating pieces for their “Best Ever” playlist. The teacher view offers no guidance on promoting student agency in selecting discipline-specific artistic works. The students are given the following instructions: “The goal is to explore additional music . . . not just think about pieces you have played.” The teacher’s view provides instructions on the parameters of the music but does not guide educators in helping students select music on their own.
Rubric Section 5
Critical Evaluation and Response
Materials provide opportunities for students to interpret, evaluate, and respond to discipline-specific artistic works of self and others.
Total
64% (7 out of 11 points)
Evaluation for 5.1a
In the “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV” unit, the “Compare & Contrast: National Anthem of the United States” lesson provides the educator with rubrics for evaluating performances, including the “UIL Concert Evaluation Rubric” and the “Mastery Rubric for Listening/Critique.” The materials include step-by-step guidance for educators on how to explicitly teach students to interpret, evaluate, and respond to discipline-specific artistic works. For example, one of the steps in the lesson is titled, “What Makes a Performance 'Good?” and includes time for rubric discussion.
In the unit called “Composition in Band IV [Inside Music Advanced],” the lesson “Composing for Band” includes a mastery rubric for students to use in evaluating their peers. In one of the final steps of the lesson, the materials state, “Instruct students to play back or perform each composition, share it with at least one partner, and ask for one thing that works and one thing to improve.”
Evaluation for 5.1b
Throughout the MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum, the materials do not emphasize the use of discipline-specific vocabulary to interpret, evaluate, and respond to artistic works. For example, in the unit “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV,” the lesson “Small Ensemble Listening and Critique” provides a rubric for evaluating performances that includes discipline-specific vocabulary. However, the materials do not include instructions that emphasize using this vocabulary in responses. Additionally, in the unit “Approaching a New Piece of Music IV,” the lesson “Responding to Performances” does not provide a rubric. Instead, it instructs the educator to prompt students to create their own list of terminology and criteria for evaluating and responding to a performance. This guidance is not provided in the student-facing materials, and the question’s instructions do not ask students to use discipline-specific vocabulary.
Although opportunities to use vocabulary terms are provided, lessons do not emphasize the use of discipline-specific vocabulary when interpreting, evaluating, and responding to artistic works. For example, in the unit “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV,” the lesson “Small Ensemble Listening and Critique” prompts students to evaluate their classmates’ artistic works using a provided rubric. The student instructions state, “Include 2–3 sentences about their individual strengths, areas of improvement, specific practice strategies, and overall effectiveness of the performance.” While students can use the rubric to evaluate the performance, the directions do not emphasize using discipline-specific music vocabulary to interpret, evaluate, and respond to artistic works.
Evaluation for 5.1c
The materials include opportunities for students to practice interpreting, evaluating, and responding to discipline-specific artistic works of other artists. For example, in the unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV,” the lesson titled “Critique Concert Band: ‘Kingfishers Catch Fire’ by John Mackey” prompts students to listen to two different performances of “Kingfishers Catch Fire.” Students use the “UIL Band Concert Evaluation Rubric” to compare and contrast the performances using music vocabulary. Similarly, in the unit called “Approaching a New Piece of Music IV,” the lesson titled “Responding to Performances” prompts students to listen to exemplary performances using the “UIL Band Concert Evaluation Rubric” to compare and contrast the performances using music vocabulary. However, the rigor and complexity of the tasks and activities do not increase progressively across lessons and units in the course. Additionally, the lessons are the same from one course to the next. For example, “Approaching a New Piece of Music IV: Responding to Performances” gives the same instructions and asks the same questions of students for MusicFirst High School Music, Level I through MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV. The only difference is the musical examples that are chosen.
The MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum gives students opportunities to practice interpreting, evaluating, and responding to discipline-specific works by other artists. For example, in the unit called “Music, Society, & Technology IV,” the lesson titled “Glière and Copland: Folk Songs in Theme and Variations” prompts students to listen to two different performances and write about which they preferred, using language from the “UIL Concert Performance Evaluation Rubric.” Despite these opportunities, the activities and tasks do not progressively increase in rigor or complexity throughout the lessons or units. Additionally, the lesson is the same in all four high school levels and does not increase in rigor or complexity from year to year.
Evaluation for 5.2a
The materials include a unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV” and a lesson titled “Small Ensemble Listening and Critique.” This lesson provides a framework for listening to and critiquing a small ensemble performance. However, the materials do not provide explicit instructions for the educator to facilitate self or peer assessment.
The materials include a “Winter Concert Reflection” with targeted questions to guide students in giving feedback to peers and assessing their own performance. The educator instruction states, “Consider attaching a rubric for students to complete, assessing their own personal performance, class effort, or participation throughout the semester.” However, these materials do not include guidance for educators on how to prompt students to give or receive feedback from themselves or their peers.
Evaluation for 5.2b
In the unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV,” the lesson titled “Solo Performer Listening and Critique ” instructs students to listen to their peers and assess performances using the “UIL Concert Repertoire Rubric.”
In the unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV”, the lesson titled “Sister Band Listening and Critique IV” allows students to observe the practice and performance of another band and assess the performance using the “UIL Concert Repertoire Rubric.”
Evaluation for 5.2c
The “Solo Performer Listening and Critique IV” includes opportunities for students to provide feedback to one another, plus “peer coaching” to offer suggestions for improvement.
In the lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies,” the culminating “Mastery Level Sight-Reading” task is a performed first read scored by the “Mastery Rubric,” which is self-, peer-, and educator-scored. The educator is prompted to “score the recording against the ‘Mastery Rubric’ to evaluate demonstrated mastery of the 1-2-3 process, rhythmic accuracy, pitch accuracy, and tempo/fluency.” Additionally, the Teacher View includes guidance for the educator to prompt advanced students to play the role of performer and adjudicator and provide/receive feedback on other students’ discipline-specific work.
Evaluation for 5.2d
In the lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies,” the culminating “Mastery Level Sight-Reading” task is a performed first read scored by the “Mastery Rubric” (self-, peer-, and educator-scored). The educator is directed to “score the recording against the ‘Mastery Rubric’ to evaluate demonstrated mastery of the 1-2-3 process, rhythmic accuracy, pitch accuracy, and tempo/fluency.”
The unit “UIL Concert Evaluation & Band Performance Music” includes a Teacher Guide with instructions for using the multimedia software PracticeFirst. This software allows students to practice, record, and receive feedback on their concert repertoire.
Evaluation for 5.2e
Throughout the MusicFirst High School Music Level IV materials, students have opportunities to engage in self-reflection and self-evaluation to refine discipline-specific artistic work. In the unit titled “Listening, Critique & Self-Assessment IV,” the lessons “Winter Concert Reflection” and “Spring Concert Reflection” prompt students to reflect on their concert performances. The questions ask students to reflect on both their personal and ensemble performances. For example, two of the questions read, “Describe one specific area of your own performance during the concert where improvement or growth is needed” and “Describe two or more specific types of practice techniques to foster growth for the ensemble and for yourself.”
Students have the opportunity to engage in self-reflection and self-evaluation in the unit “Band Basics” and the lesson “Listen, Move, Conduct.” In this lesson, students are asked to move around the room in a variety of ways (tapping the pulse of the music, conducting, gesturing with hands and arms, etc.) while playing through a musical excerpt. Then, students are asked to reflect on what changed in their personal playing before, during, and after the movement activity, as well as in the group performance.
5.1 Evaluating and Responding to Artistic Works
5.1a
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction in interpreting, evaluating, and responding to discipline-specific artistic works of other artists at the level of depth and complexity required by the course TEKS.
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction in interpreting, evaluating, and responding to discipline-specific artistic works of other artists at the level of depth and complexity required by the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 5.1a
Evaluation for 5.1a
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction in interpreting, evaluating, and responding to discipline-specific artistic works of other artists at the level of depth and complexity required by the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
In the unit called “Composition in Band IV [Inside Music Advanced],” the lesson “Composing for Band” includes a mastery rubric for students to use in evaluating their peers. In one of the final steps of the lesson, the materials state, “Instruct students to play back or perform each composition, share it with at least one partner, and ask for one thing that works and one thing to improve.”
5.1b
Materials emphasize the use of discipline-specific vocabulary in interpreting, evaluating, and responding to artistic works.
Materials emphasize the use of discipline-specific vocabulary in interpreting, evaluating, and responding to artistic works.
0 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 5.1b
Evaluation for 5.1b
Materials emphasize the use of discipline-specific vocabulary in interpreting, evaluating, and responding to artistic works.
0 out of 1 points
Although opportunities to use vocabulary terms are provided, lessons do not emphasize the use of discipline-specific vocabulary when interpreting, evaluating, and responding to artistic works. For example, in the unit “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV,” the lesson “Small Ensemble Listening and Critique” prompts students to evaluate their classmates’ artistic works using a provided rubric. The student instructions state, “Include 2–3 sentences about their individual strengths, areas of improvement, specific practice strategies, and overall effectiveness of the performance.” While students can use the rubric to evaluate the performance, the directions do not emphasize using discipline-specific music vocabulary to interpret, evaluate, and respond to artistic works.
5.1c
Materials provide opportunities for students to practice interpreting, evaluating, and responding to discipline-specific artistic works of other artists through activities and tasks that progressively increase in rigor and complexity over lessons and units within the course.
Materials provide opportunities for students to practice interpreting, evaluating, and responding to discipline-specific artistic works of other artists through activities and tasks that progressively increase in rigor and complexity over lessons and units within the course.
1 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 5.1c
Evaluation for 5.1c
Materials provide opportunities for students to practice interpreting, evaluating, and responding to discipline-specific artistic works of other artists through activities and tasks that progressively increase in rigor and complexity over lessons and units within the course.
1 out of 2 points
The MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum gives students opportunities to practice interpreting, evaluating, and responding to discipline-specific works by other artists. For example, in the unit called “Music, Society, & Technology IV,” the lesson titled “Glière and Copland: Folk Songs in Theme and Variations” prompts students to listen to two different performances and write about which they preferred, using language from the “UIL Concert Performance Evaluation Rubric.” Despite these opportunities, the activities and tasks do not progressively increase in rigor or complexity throughout the lessons or units. Additionally, the lesson is the same in all four high school levels and does not increase in rigor or complexity from year to year.
5.2 Giving and Receiving Feedback on Artistic Works
5.2a
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction in giving and receiving feedback on discipline-specific artistic works to self and other students.
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction in giving and receiving feedback on discipline-specific artistic works to self and other students.
0 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 5.2a
Evaluation for 5.2a
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction in giving and receiving feedback on discipline-specific artistic works to self and other students.
0 out of 2 points
The materials include a “Winter Concert Reflection” with targeted questions to guide students in giving feedback to peers and assessing their own performance. The educator instruction states, “Consider attaching a rubric for students to complete, assessing their own personal performance, class effort, or participation throughout the semester.” However, these materials do not include guidance for educators on how to prompt students to give or receive feedback from themselves or their peers.
5.2b
Materials provide opportunities for students to give feedback on discipline-specific artistic works created by other students.
Materials provide opportunities for students to give feedback on discipline-specific artistic works created by other students.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 5.2b
Evaluation for 5.2b
Materials provide opportunities for students to give feedback on discipline-specific artistic works created by other students.
1 out of 1 points
In the unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV”, the lesson titled “Sister Band Listening and Critique IV” allows students to observe the practice and performance of another band and assess the performance using the “UIL Concert Repertoire Rubric.”
5.2c
Materials provide opportunities for students to receive feedback on their discipline-specific artistic works from teachers and other students.
Materials provide opportunities for students to receive feedback on their discipline-specific artistic works from teachers and other students.
2 out of 2 points
Evaluation for 5.2c
Evaluation for 5.2c
Materials provide opportunities for students to receive feedback on their discipline-specific artistic works from teachers and other students.
2 out of 2 points
In the lesson titled “Sight-Reading Strategies,” the culminating “Mastery Level Sight-Reading” task is a performed first read scored by the “Mastery Rubric,” which is self-, peer-, and educator-scored. The educator is prompted to “score the recording against the ‘Mastery Rubric’ to evaluate demonstrated mastery of the 1-2-3 process, rhythmic accuracy, pitch accuracy, and tempo/fluency.” Additionally, the Teacher View includes guidance for the educator to prompt advanced students to play the role of performer and adjudicator and provide/receive feedback on other students’ discipline-specific work.
5.2d
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide feedback to students to refine their discipline-specific artistic works.
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide feedback to students to refine their discipline-specific artistic works.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 5.2d
Evaluation for 5.2d
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide feedback to students to refine their discipline-specific artistic works.
1 out of 1 points
The unit “UIL Concert Evaluation & Band Performance Music” includes a Teacher Guide with instructions for using the multimedia software PracticeFirst. This software allows students to practice, record, and receive feedback on their concert repertoire.
5.2e
Materials provide opportunities for students to engage in self-reflection or self-evaluation to refine their discipline-specific artistic works.
Materials provide opportunities for students to engage in self-reflection or self-evaluation to refine their discipline-specific artistic works.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 5.2e
Evaluation for 5.2e
Materials provide opportunities for students to engage in self-reflection or self-evaluation to refine their discipline-specific artistic works.
1 out of 1 points
Students have the opportunity to engage in self-reflection and self-evaluation in the unit “Band Basics” and the lesson “Listen, Move, Conduct.” In this lesson, students are asked to move around the room in a variety of ways (tapping the pulse of the music, conducting, gesturing with hands and arms, etc.) while playing through a musical excerpt. Then, students are asked to reflect on what changed in their personal playing before, during, and after the movement activity, as well as in the group performance.
Rubric Section 6
Connections and Context
Materials are designed to deepen understanding of the discipline by examining the arts through cross-curricular connections and historical and cultural context.
Total
60% (3 out of 5 points)
Evaluation for 6.1a
The materials include lessons with cross-curricular connections between fine arts and core academic subjects. For example, in the unit “Music, Society, & Technology IV,” the task “Music & Physics: Fire and Ice” makes cross-curricular connections by asking students to watch a video demonstration of a physics concept related to music. However, the materials do not include guidance for educators to explicitly teach these connections.
Although the materials include lessons with cross-curricular connections between fine arts and core academic subjects, they do not include guidance for educators to provide explicit (direct) instruction. For example, in the unit called “Music, Society, & Technology IV,” the lesson titled “Music in Society, Culture, and Me” introduces the concept of culture’s impact on music, but educator guidance is not provided. The educator-facing materials list only three objectives in the “Students will . . . ” format.
Evaluation for 6.1b
The materials give students opportunities to explore cross-curricular connections across various fine arts disciplines. For example, in the unit called “Music, Society, & Technology IV,” the lesson titled “Beyond Performing: Career Paths with Music” introduces students to seven career paths in the music production industry, including arts administration, production design, videography, and audio engineering. Students are asked to research several career paths to determine the financial stability, college preparation, responsibilities, and special skills needed for these careers.
The materials provide opportunities for students to explore cross-curricular connections across various fine arts disciplines. For example, in the unit called “Music, Society, & Technology IV,” the lesson titled “John Adams: Short Ride in a Fast Machine” provides students with the opportunity to explore the connections between a piece of music, “Short Ride in a Fast Machine,” and poetic expression. The task asks students to write a haiku inspired by the piece “Short Ride in a Fast Machine.”
Evaluation for 6.2a
In the unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV,” the assessment called “Star-Spangled Banner: Compare & Contrast” includes a link to an outside website so students can explore the historical significance of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” However, the unit does not guide the educator on how to teach the content.
Although the materials include lessons that offer discipline-specific historical and cultural context aligned with the course’s TEKS, they do not include guidance for educators to provide explicit (direct) instruction on the topics. For example, in the unit called “Music, Society, & Technology IV,” the lesson titled “Going Electric” allows students to explore the historical and cultural context of music technology. However, the materials do not provide explicit instruction on the relevant discipline-specific historical and cultural context aligned with the course’s TEKS. The Teacher View lists only procedures such as “Initiate a conversation with students about the impact of technology on music and life.”
Evaluation for 6.2b
In the unit called “Foundations of Music Literacy IV,” the lesson titled “Following Music” includes different types of music for students to explore in the form of seven tasks in the multimedia software, Focus on Sound. These modules include songs from composers like Dvorak, Handel, Strauss, and Massenet, as well as cultural songs such as Scottish reels, polka, and Irish folk songs.
The MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum gives students opportunities to explore a variety of discipline-specific artistic traditions. For example, in the unit called “Texas Songbook IV,” the lesson titled “Texas Songbook Discover & Creativity” provides an opportunity for students to explore Texas folk songs. Students choose two Texas folk songs to listen to, then reflect on their origins, what they hear, and why they enjoy the songs. Then, students can play the tune on their instrument in their own creative way.
Evaluation for 6.2c
In the unit called “Listening, Critique, & Self-Assessment IV,” the lesson titled “Playlist Challenge” requires students to research pieces of band literature that they are not familiar with to create a “Best Ever” playlist of band repertoire. After the students nominate three pieces for the playlist, they are asked to demonstrate their understanding of historical and cultural context with the following questions: “How does this work fit into the historical/social context of the time?” and “What makes it significant?”
In the unit called “Music, Society, & Technology IV” and the lesson titled “Edward Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance,” students learn about the composer, the origin of the song “Pomp and Circumstance,” and how the piece evolved into being used for graduation ceremonies.
6.1 Cross-Curricular Connections
6.1a
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction on cross-curricular connections within and across the fine arts disciplines and between fine arts and core academic subjects (e.g., literacy, math, social studies, science) as applicable.
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction on cross-curricular connections within and across the fine arts disciplines and between fine arts and core academic subjects (e.g., literacy, math, social studies, science) as applicable.
0 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 6.1a
Evaluation for 6.1a
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction on cross-curricular connections within and across the fine arts disciplines and between fine arts and core academic subjects (e.g., literacy, math, social studies, science) as applicable.
0 out of 1 points
Although the materials include lessons with cross-curricular connections between fine arts and core academic subjects, they do not include guidance for educators to provide explicit (direct) instruction. For example, in the unit called “Music, Society, & Technology IV,” the lesson titled “Music in Society, Culture, and Me” introduces the concept of culture’s impact on music, but educator guidance is not provided. The educator-facing materials list only three objectives in the “Students will . . . ” format.
6.1b
Materials provide opportunities for students to explore cross-curricular connections within and across the various fine art disciplines and between fine arts and core academic subjects (e.g., literacy, math, social studies, science) as applicable.
Materials provide opportunities for students to explore cross-curricular connections within and across the various fine art disciplines and between fine arts and core academic subjects (e.g., literacy, math, social studies, science) as applicable.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 6.1b
Evaluation for 6.1b
Materials provide opportunities for students to explore cross-curricular connections within and across the various fine art disciplines and between fine arts and core academic subjects (e.g., literacy, math, social studies, science) as applicable.
1 out of 1 points
The materials provide opportunities for students to explore cross-curricular connections across various fine arts disciplines. For example, in the unit called “Music, Society, & Technology IV,” the lesson titled “John Adams: Short Ride in a Fast Machine” provides students with the opportunity to explore the connections between a piece of music, “Short Ride in a Fast Machine,” and poetic expression. The task asks students to write a haiku inspired by the piece “Short Ride in a Fast Machine.”
6.2 Historical and Cultural Context
6.2a
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction on relevant discipline-specific historical and cultural context in alignment with the course TEKS.
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction on relevant discipline-specific historical and cultural context in alignment with the course TEKS.
0 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 6.2a
Evaluation for 6.2a
Materials include guidance for teachers to provide explicit (direct) instruction on relevant discipline-specific historical and cultural context in alignment with the course TEKS.
0 out of 1 points
Although the materials include lessons that offer discipline-specific historical and cultural context aligned with the course’s TEKS, they do not include guidance for educators to provide explicit (direct) instruction on the topics. For example, in the unit called “Music, Society, & Technology IV,” the lesson titled “Going Electric” allows students to explore the historical and cultural context of music technology. However, the materials do not provide explicit instruction on the relevant discipline-specific historical and cultural context aligned with the course’s TEKS. The Teacher View lists only procedures such as “Initiate a conversation with students about the impact of technology on music and life.”
6.2b
Materials provide opportunities for students to explore a variety of discipline-specific artistic works and traditions (e.g., variety of historical and contemporary artistic works, artistic traditions from diverse cultures).
Materials provide opportunities for students to explore a variety of discipline-specific artistic works and traditions (e.g., variety of historical and contemporary artistic works, artistic traditions from diverse cultures).
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 6.2b
Evaluation for 6.2b
Materials provide opportunities for students to explore a variety of discipline-specific artistic works and traditions (e.g., variety of historical and contemporary artistic works, artistic traditions from diverse cultures).
1 out of 1 points
The MusicFirst High School Music, Level IV curriculum gives students opportunities to explore a variety of discipline-specific artistic traditions. For example, in the unit called “Texas Songbook IV,” the lesson titled “Texas Songbook Discover & Creativity” provides an opportunity for students to explore Texas folk songs. Students choose two Texas folk songs to listen to, then reflect on their origins, what they hear, and why they enjoy the songs. Then, students can play the tune on their instrument in their own creative way.
6.2c
Materials include activities and tasks that require students to demonstrate understanding of relevant discipline-specific historical and cultural context in alignment with the course TEKS.
Materials include activities and tasks that require students to demonstrate understanding of relevant discipline-specific historical and cultural context in alignment with the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
Evaluation for 6.2c
Evaluation for 6.2c
Materials include activities and tasks that require students to demonstrate understanding of relevant discipline-specific historical and cultural context in alignment with the course TEKS.
1 out of 1 points
In the unit called “Music, Society, & Technology IV” and the lesson titled “Edward Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance,” students learn about the composer, the origin of the song “Pomp and Circumstance,” and how the piece evolved into being used for graduation ceremonies.