attendance_classes

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It does convey that this is a read-only listing operation scoped to the current school year and that the pk parameter acts as an optional filter. However, it does not mention return format, pagination, ordering, or what happens if the class ID does not exist.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is two short sentences with no unnecessary words. The primary purpose is stated first, and the optional filtering behavior is clearly and briefly mentioned second.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's low complexity, one optional parameter, and no output schema, the description covers the essential operational details: what is listed, the time scope, and the optional filter. It is sufficient for an agent to select and invoke the tool correctly, though it could describe the response shape for greater completeness.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema already documents pk as an optional class ID with 100% coverage, so the baseline is 3. The description adds no new meaning beyond the schema: 'Optionally filter by class ID' simply restates the parameter's schema description.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action ('List'), the resource ('classes'), and the scope ('for the current school year'). It also distinguishes this tool from the many attendance-related siblings by focusing specifically on classes, and mentions the optional class ID filter.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description gives no explicit guidance about when to use this tool versus alternatives, such as attendance_students, attendance_daily_schedule, or direct_attendance_lessons. It only states what the tool does; it does not say when not to use it or which sibling to choose instead.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.