Can I prevent Canvas from dropping specific assignments from grade calculations?

You can use the assignment group rules to prevent Canvas from dropping specific assignments. To access the assignment group rules, navigate to Assignments in the course menu. Click the Settings icon next to the assignment group and select Edit. Then, click “Add an assignment” to select which assignment should be excluded from being dropped. This link provides step-by-step instructions: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2626.