Canvas has developed an automated integration infrastructure between Pearson’s PowerSchool and the Canvas learning management system. The integration communicates rostering data from PowerSchool to Canvas, and grade information from Canvas to PowerSchool. This document helps instructors with frequently asked questions and troubleshooting tips when Canvas is integrated with PowerSchool's legacy PowerTeacher gradebook.
The Canvas PowerSchool integration works bi-directionally:
Grade passback from Canvas to PowerSchool is initiated when you sync grades from your Canvas course gradebook to PowerSchool. Depending on the amount of data, you may need to wait several minutes for the data to display in PowerSchool.
Note: To view recently synced grades in PowerSchool, you may need to refresh your PowerSchool browser tab.
The following assignment information is included when you sync grades from Canvas to PowerSchool:
To maintain cross-platform consistency, your Canvas assignment groups should mirror your PowerSchool grading categories. Learn about naming your Canvas assignment groups.
If a Canvas assignment group has the same name as a PowerSchool gradebook category, assignments are synced from the Canvas assignment group into the matching PowerSchool category. If a Canvas assignment group name does not match a grading category in PowerSchool, Canvas assignments and graded discussions sync to the Homework category in PowerSchool, and quizzes default to to the Quiz category. If you have not created grading categories in PowerSchool, then Canvas assignments and graded discussions sync to the Homework category in PowerSchool, and quizzes default to to the Quiz category.
Before an assignment is created in PowerSchool, you must grade the assignment in Canvas and sync it from Canvas to PowerSchool.
Note: If you create a Canvas assignment group named Assignment, Assignments, or Quizzes, these groups automatically associate with the default PowerSchool categories Homework and Quiz.
Canvas passes back any assignment, graded discussion, or quiz that you have configured for SIS sync in Canvas. Learn about setting up an assignment for SIS sync.
Canvas PowerSchool grade passback works when your assignments meet the following criteria:
Guides about creating assignments in Canvas:
To make changes to your PowerSchool gradebook, first make the changes in your Canvas course gradebook and sync the information to PowerSchool. Following this best practice allows consistent data flow between systems and ensures accurate data in both systems.
Please be aware of the following behaviors in the Canvas gradebook:
Canvas supports an API-based integration for the PowerSchool Gradebook. Learn how to sync grades from Canvas to PowerSchool.
Note: If you don't see an option to sync grades in the Gradebook, please contact your SIS administrator or Canvas Support for assistance.
After syncing grades from Canvas, refresh the PowerSchool gradebook.
In Canvas, select the assignments, quizzes, and graded discussions for SIS sync. Then sync your grades from the Canvas gradebook to PowerSchool.
Note: If you cannot make changes in a concluded or closed course, contact your Canvas admin.
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