In our program, we work with outcome-based assessment. We use six assignments, each linked to a different rubric. Some learning outcomes (e.g., BC 01: teamwork) appear across multiple assignments. We apply the “most recent score counts” setting, where the final assessment of a learning outcome weighs 50% of the total. This works well — until a student submits an older assignment late. If we then reassess just one criterion (e.g., only BC 01), Canvas updates the timestamp for all learning outcomes in that rubric, treating them all as the most recent evaluation. As a result, the new score overrides prior learning outcome scores, even if we didn’t change them. This undermines the accuracy of the outcome tracking.
Request: We propose that Canvas introduce individual timestamps per outcome criterion in a rubric, rather than one timestamp for the entire rubric. That way, when one (or several) outcome(s) are updated, only those specific outcomes receive a new timestamp. The "most recent score" calculation would then reflect only the outcomes actually revised. Benefits: More reliable outcome tracking for outcome-based programs Greater assessment transparency for students Fewer errors in automated weighting during late resubmissions We hope this improvement can be considered for future development. Our assessment structure depends on accurate outcome tracking, and this refinement would make Canvas even more powerful as a learning platform.
