Canvas Commitments
Our Canvas commitments were developed to create a more clear, consistent, and predictable Canvas experience across Grades 5–12.
They establish shared practices for course organization, assignments, grading, and communication so students and families can more easily find information, understand expectations, and stay informed about progress.
Please contact your child’s classroom teacher if you have questions about their Canvas or coursework.
Across our courses and grade levels, our teachers will follow the commitments below.
Create an Organized Course
Every Canvas course should include
- A Home Page with essential course information so students and families understand expectations:
- Teacher contact information
- Extra help opportunities
- Course overview
- Grading practices (how grades will be calculated / weighted / etc.)
- Modules organized in a clear chronological sequence (weekly, cycle-based, unit-based, or another consistent structure).
- All instructional materials, assignments, and resources located within Modules.
Post Assignments Consistently
- Post all graded work and assignments as Canvas Assignments.
- Note: ‘Announcements’ may be used for reminders or communication, but work with a due date or grade should always be posted as an Assignment.
- Include due dates so assignments appear automatically in the Canvas Calendar and To-Do List.
- Use clear, descriptive assignment names so students and families can easily identify work from the Calendar and Gradebook.
- Add the name (or abbreviation) of your course/class first in each assignment “APUSH, Bio, Math, etc). This helps families see what is due for each class in the calendar view.
Maintain an Accurate Canvas Gradebook
- Use a grading system that is fully compatible with the Canvas Gradebook.
- Grade and return assignments within two cycles and post grades to Canvas during that timeframe.
- Ensure that all grades are current, complete, and accurate by the designated mid-quarter (5 week) and end-of-quarter dates. These dates will be published at the beginning of the year by each school.
Communicate About Student Progress Outside of Canvas
- Communicate directly with students and families when a student’s performance changes significantly, or there is a concern that should not wait until the mid-quarter review date.
- Respond promptly to questions about assignments, grades, or student progress.
- Review grade information carefully before each mid-quarter to ensure that school administrators and MTSS teams receive an accurate picture of student progress.