canvas-student-mcp

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Get assignment details

canvas_get_assignment

Read-only

Retrieve full details for a single Canvas assignment, including description, due/lock dates, rubric, and your submission with score and grade.

Instructions

Get one assignment's full details: description (as text), due/lock dates, rubric, and the user's submission with score and grade.

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "course_id": "<course_id>",
      "assignment_id": "<assignment_id>"
    },
    "name": "canvas_get_assignment"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`course_id`	Yes	Canvas course ID
`assignment_id`	Yes	Canvas assignment ID

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv1.3.0Aug 18, 2026

TDQS

A4.4/5.0

Behavior5/5

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

Annotations already provide readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false, so the description adds value by disclosing exactly what fields are returned (description as text, dates, rubric, user's submission with score/grade). This is critical since no output schema exists, and it explains the scope and granularity of the response.

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 a single, well-structured sentence that immediately states the purpose and lists key return components. Every word adds value, making it efficient and easy to parse.

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?

For a read-only tool with two simple parameters, the description sufficiently explains what the response contains, compensating for the lack of an output schema. It could mention that it returns only the current user's submission or potential error conditions, but it is adequate for typical use.

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?

Schema coverage is 100% with both parameters having descriptions in the input schema. The description does not add any additional parameter semantics beyond what the schema already provides, so the baseline score of 3 applies.

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

Purpose5/5

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

The description uses a specific verb ('Get') and resource ('one assignment's full details'), listing exact fields returned. It clearly distinguishes from sibling tools like canvas_list_assignments which lists assignments rather than getting details.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

The description implies usage for retrieving full details of a single assignment, but does not explicitly state when to use this versus alternatives like canvas_list_assignments or how it differs from other get tools. Context is clear but lacks explicit guidance or exclusions.

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