Grading Policy

NEISD Grading Guidelines for Elementary Music 

Kindergarten Rubric:

1 = Student is unable to exhibit skill even with direct guidance.

Additional instruction is needed.

2 = Student exhibits skill with minimal guidance. Reinforcement needed.

3 = Student exhibits skills independently and consistently.

4 = Student understanding goes beyond grade-level expectation.

1st - 5th Grade Grading Rubric

E= Achievement is excellent

• Student consistently demonstrates mastery of TEKS and NEISD Standards, exceeding grade-level expectations

• Student puts forth maximum effort, demonstrates self-motivation in meeting learning objectives

• Student has above-average grades on written work, where appropriate

S= Achievement is satisfactory

• Student demonstrates mastery of TEKS and NEISD Standards at grade level

• Student puts forth expected effort, with minimal redirection to meet learning objectives

• Student has average grades on written work, where appropriate

N= Achievement needs improvement

• Student performs below standard expectations (student satisfies less than 70% of TEKS and NEISD Standards)

• Student puts forth minimal effort

• Student has below-average grades on written work, where appropriate

FAQ’s About MUSIC Grades:

Is Music class for a grade?

Yes, the state of Texas requires your student to receive music taught by a certified music teacher. 

Where can I find information on what my child is being graded on in Music

How is my student’s grade entered?

Music grades are recorded by your student’s MUSIC teacher, using Skyward. Questions regarding MUSIC grades should be directed to your student’s MUSIC teacher. 

How can I check my student’s Music grades?

Grades recorded in Skyward are able to be viewed live by parents in their Family Access Skyward Account

How are Kindergarten grades recorded? 

Kindergarten students follow a different grading system. Students each receive 2 final grades: skills and conduct. If you are concerned about your students' progress, please contact your music teacher.

When are grades given?

Grades are entered once a week, per child, within reason. Please note that music teachers grade hundreds of students each week and may follow a slightly different grading system. The expectation by NEISD is that each student receives one grade per week by the end of the grading period. Your child’s Music teacher may record grades separately and enter them into Skyward at a later time. 

Why does my child only have an S in Music, but they love music and take lessons outside of school? 

Students are graded on their level of independence in demonstrating their knowledge of a specific content/objective. Their love or desire to perform music is not a graded criterion. An S, although recorded as an 85, is a wonderful grade and indicates that your child is performing at grade level with independence. 

Is it possible to fail Music class? 

Yes, however, if a student is in danger of receiving a final grade of N or U in Music, the Music teacher must communicate with the parents/guardians in a timely manner to allow for adequate opportunity to improve their grade. An unacceptable grade in Music typically results from a failure to demonstrate content mastery, often due to the natural consequences of their level of participation. As a performance-based class, students who participate inactively or express refusals cannot effectively demonstrate content mastery.