diff --git a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/model.py b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/model.py
index 380c81dbe9..9d3e96534e 100644
--- a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/model.py
+++ b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/model.py
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ class ParentModelMetaclass(type):
     """
     def __new__(cls, name, bases, attrs):
         if attrs.get('has_children', False):
-            attrs['children'] = List(help='The children of this XModule', default=[], scope=Scope.settings)
+            attrs['children'] = List(help='The children of this XModule', default=[], scope=None)
         else:
             attrs['has_children'] = False
 
diff --git a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_model.py b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_model.py
index b0ae9e5844..20f1207701 100644
--- a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_model.py
+++ b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_model.py
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ def test_parent_metaclass():
     assert not hasattr(WithoutChildren, 'children')
 
     assert isinstance(HasChildren.children, List)
-    assert_equals(Scope.settings, HasChildren.children.scope)
+    assert_equals(None, HasChildren.children.scope)
 
 
 def test_field_access():