Canvas Needs Rubric Averaging to Align with Synergy for Standards-Based Grading

[cjohnson81]

I am writing to share a concern about how rubrics currently function in Canvas. At the moment, rubrics only total points across criteria rather than averaging them into a single proficiency score. This creates challenges for teachers, especially those using standards-based grading or a proficiency scale (1–4).

For example, if I create a rubric with four categories (each worth 4 points), Canvas adds them into a 16-point score. I then have to manually divide or convert that number to fit the 4-point scale my school requires. This is both time-consuming and confusing for students and families, as Canvas displays a percentage instead of a proficiency score.

Other systems, such as Synergy, already offer the option to average rubric criteria into a single proficiency score. Since our Canvas gradebook syncs with Synergy, it is essential that Canvas provide the same functionality so that standards-based grading can transfer cleanly without extra manual steps. Without this option, syncing is inaccurate and requires unnecessary workarounds.

What teachers need is an option for Canvas to:

1. Average rubric categories automatically instead of summing them.

2. Allow teachers to set a rubric to display results directly on a 1–4 proficiency scale.

3. Sync proficiency scores seamlessly with external gradebooks like Synergy.

Without this functionality, Canvas is much harder to use for standards-based grading, which is a growing practice in many districts. Right now, I am forced to either (1) override grades manually, or (2) use rubrics only for feedback and enter the proficiency score separately neither of which is efficient or student-friendly.

I strongly encourage Canvas to add an option for rubric averaging into a proficiency scale, as this would make the system much more effective for teachers, students, families, and districts that depend on gradebook syncing.

Thank you for considering this request.

[Chris_Hofer]

Hello there, @cjohnson81 ...

I understand your concern(s) about the current functionality of Canvas rubrics.  However, it sounds like you are requesting changes and/or enhancements to rubrics in their current form.  I'm not sure if you know this or not, but there is a separate space here in the Canvas Community website where you can submit your ideas for consideration.  But, please know that the entire idea process is currently on hold at the moment...while the Community team works on a new process for gathering our ideas.  I'd like to point you to a few resources, though:

• Turning Your Feedback into Better Prioritization and Release Processes: Our Path Forward

...and then once you've reviewed that blog post, these are the Guides you can use to submit your idea:

• What is the feature development process for Instructure products?
• How do Ideas work in the Instructure Community?
• What are the guidelines for submitting a new idea?
• How do I create a new idea in the Instructure Community?

I hope this helps to clarify things for you.  Please let Community members know if we can help further.  Thank you.

[DanielleLentz · Accepted solution]

Hey there! I would highly recommend reaching out to your Canvas LMS admin as there may be some limitations set by your institution that are preventing you from leveraging rubrics in the way you desire. In Canvas, we also have what are called Outcomes, that many institutions leverage for proficiencies tracking. Finally, we are rolling out Enhance Rubrics and this Group Hub would be a great place to provide feedback and engage with other institutions.