Understanding the “Mark as Missing” Scoring Option

Using the “Mark as Missing” Scoring Option

The Mark as Missing scoring option allows teachers to notify students when an activity—or part of an activity—has not been completed.

This tool is designed to prompt students to take action, such as:

  • Retrying the activity (if allowed)
  • Contacting their teacher for clarification
  • Completing unfinished portions of the assignment

What Happens When “Mark as Missing” Is Applied?

When a teacher selects Mark as Missing, several updates occur within the system.

1. The Activity Is Not Marked as Complete

The activity will remain incomplete.

If the course is set up with sequential progression:

  • Any activities that require completion of the current activity will remain locked for the student.

2. A Score Can Still Be Assigned

Teachers may assign a score even while the activity is marked as missing.

This allows you to:

  • Record partial progress
  • Provide feedback
  • Reflect attempted work
  • Maintain grading documentation

3. A Visual Indicator Appears

A clipboard icon with an exclamation point will appear next to the activity in the Gradebook.

  • This icon is visible to both teachers and students.
  • The Grade Details screen will display the status: “Missing.”

This provides a clear visual alert that action is required.

How “Mark as Missing” Interacts with Other Scoring Actions

The missing status is automatically cleared when any new action is taken by either the teacher or the student.

This includes:

Student Actions

  • Retrying the activity
  • Resubmitting work

Teacher Actions

  • Submitting a score
  • Selecting another grading option in the Grade Editor
  • Allowing a retry

Why Does the Missing Status Clear Automatically?

The purpose of Mark as Missing is to flag incomplete work and prompt action.

Once action has been taken—by either the student or the teacher—the system recognizes that progress is being made and removes the missing designation.

Example Scenario

  1. A teacher marks an activity as missing.
  2. The student meets with the teacher to review expectations.
  3. The teacher selects Allow Retry.

At that moment:

  • The missing status is automatically removed.
  • The student can proceed with completing the activity.

Summary

The Mark as Missing option:

  • Helps reinforce student accountability
  • Provides a clear visual indicator of incomplete work
  • Allows teachers to assign scores and feedback
  • Automatically updates when progress is made

This feature ensures that the gradebook accurately reflects a student’s current status while encouraging timely resolution of incomplete work.