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vishalsachdev

Canvas MCP Server

by vishalsachdev
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Python
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bulk_grade_submissions

Destructive

Grade multiple Canvas submissions at once with optional rubric scores, point grades, and comments. Run a dry-run to validate before submitting.

Instructions

Grade multiple submissions efficiently with concurrent processing.

Supports both rubric-based and simple point-based grading in batches.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
gradesYesDict mapping user_id to {rubric_assessment?, grade?, comment?}. OMIT `comment` unless the instructor explicitly asked for written feedback. "Assign grade 8" means the grade ONLY. A comment is visible to the student in SpeedGrader, APPENDS a new comment on every call rather than replacing the previous one, and cannot be un-sent. Never generate a comment that merely restates the grade or narrates that grading happened.
dry_runNoIf True, validate without submitting (default: False)
assignment_idYesCanvas assignment ID
max_concurrentNoMax concurrent grading operations (default: 5)
rate_limit_delayNoDelay between batches in seconds (default: 1.0)
course_identifierYesCourse code or Canvas ID

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changedv1.10.0
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -{
-  "properties": {
-    "result": {
-      "type": "string"
-    }
-  },
-  "required": [
-    "result"
-  ],
-  "type": "object",
-  "x-fastmcp-wrap-result": true
-}New value: +null
  2. Changed17 schema fields changedv1.8.0
    • addedInput schema / additionalProperties
      Added value: +false
    • addedInput schema / properties / assignment_id / description
      Added value: +"Canvas assignment ID"
    • removedInput schema / properties / assignment_id / title
      Removed value: -"Assignment Id"
    • addedInput schema / properties / course_identifier / description
      Added value: +"Course code or Canvas ID"
    • removedInput schema / properties / course_identifier / title
      Removed value: -"Course Identifier"
    • addedInput schema / properties / dry_run / description
      Added value: +"If True, validate without submitting (default: False)"
    • removedInput schema / properties / dry_run / title
      Removed value: -"Dry Run"
    • addedInput schema / properties / grades / description
      Added value: +"Dict mapping user_id to {rubric_assessment?, grade?, comment?}.\nOMIT `comment` unless the instructor explicitly asked for written\nfeedback. \"Assign grade 8\" means the grade ONLY. A comment is\nvisible to the student in SpeedGrader, APPENDS a new comment on\nevery call rather than replacing the previous one, and cannot be\nun-sent. Never generate a comment that merely restates the grade\nor narrates that grading happened."
    • removedInput schema / properties / grades / title
      Removed value: -"Grades"
    • addedInput schema / properties / max_concurrent / description
      Added value: +"Max concurrent grading operations (default: 5)"
    • removedInput schema / properties / max_concurrent / title
      Removed value: -"Max Concurrent"
    • addedInput schema / properties / rate_limit_delay / description
      Added value: +"Delay between batches in seconds (default: 1.0)"
    • removedInput schema / properties / rate_limit_delay / title
      Removed value: -"Rate Limit Delay"
    • removedInput schema / title
      Removed value: -"bulk_grade_submissionsArguments"
    • removedOutput schema / properties / result / title
      Removed value: -"Result"
    • removedOutput schema / title
      Removed value: -"bulk_grade_submissionsOutput"
    • addedOutput schema / x-fastmcp-wrap-result
      Added value: +true
  3. Addedv1.0.0

TDQS

B3.4/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

Annotations indicate destructive and non-idempotent behavior, which the description does not contradict. However, the description does not add extra context about side effects, such as that grades will be permanently changed or that concurrent processing may have race conditions. Given the annotations already cover the destructive nature, the description provides minimal additional transparency.

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

Conciseness5/5

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

The description is extremely concise, consisting of two short sentences. It avoids redundancy and includes only essential information about the tool's function and approach (concurrency and batch processing). This is an optimal length for a tool description.

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

Completeness4/5

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

The description covers the core purpose and mentions concurrency, which is a key operational detail. It does not explain error handling or partial failures, but that is not strictly necessary. Given the rich parameter descriptions in the schema, the description is sufficiently complete for an agent to understand the tool's role.

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

Parameters3/5

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

All parameters have descriptions in the schema, so the description does not need to explain them. The description adds no extra semantic details beyond what the schema already provides (e.g., the structure of 'grades' dict). Since schema coverage is 100%, the baseline is 3, and the description does not enhance parameter understanding.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description clearly states the tool's purpose: grading multiple submissions efficiently and in batches. It distinguishes itself from single-submission grading tools by mentioning 'bulk' and 'concurrent processing,' though it could further clarify that it handles grading for an entire assignment at once.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

The description does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'grade_with_rubric' or 'assign_peer_review.' It implies bulk usage through 'multiple submissions' and 'batches,' but lacks explicit guidance on scenarios (e.g., when grading many students at once) or when to prefer it over other grading tools.

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

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