Turning course "Auto Zero" setting On/Off

Auto Zeros

Zeros can automatically be assigned to items when the student misses the pace date/due date for a gradable item. These zeros serve as placeholders and can be overridden once the student completes and submits the assignment.

To enable or disable this feature, please follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the desired course.
  2. Click the Learning Plan tab then click the Edit Course Content button.
    • Alternatively, from the course dashboard, click the Course Setup link in the upper right to open setup mode. From there, select the Open the Course Editor in a New Tab link to access the same location.
  3. From the Course Editor, click on the wrench icon on the right-hand side of the page and select Course Settings.
  4. Scroll down to the Advanced Options section, then check the box labeled "Automatically assign zeros to past-due activities."

    • If this box is checked, a second option will appear:

      "Mark auto-scored activities as complete."

      • If you want the item to be marked complete when the zero is assigned, leave this box checked.
      • If you prefer the item to remain incomplete until the student submits it, uncheck this box.
  5. Click Save on the top right side to save changes.

If the "Mark auto-zeroed activities as complete" setting is unchecked, a zero is still assigned to the activity, but it does not consume one of the student's allowed attempts. If the setting is checked, a zero is assigned and the item is marked complete, which does consume an attempt.


Regardless of whether the setting is checked or not:

  • The zero affects the student’s overall grade.
  • If students have more than one attempt, they can still submit work to replace the zero.

Key difference: When the setting is enabled, the activity counts as complete, which positively impacts the student’s percent complete in the course.


This process must be repeated for each course where the auto zero setting should be enabled. Alternatively, to request this setting be applied across all courses in a district, catalog, or school, please contact support@schoolsplp.com.