Teacher’s ‘80% challenge’ pays off for students

A simple classroom challenge at Clan Carthy High School turned into a viral sensation when teacher Shanissa Grant, in an effort to motivate her students, promised to award $1,000 to anyone scoring 80 per cent or higher on their progress tests.

What started as a light-hearted incentive quickly escalated when more students than she expected rose to the occasion, prompting her to humorously share on social media, "This is more than anxiety, is a whole panic attack after seeing how many students got over 80 per cent!"

Despite jokingly questioning whether "some promises were meant to be broken", Grant followed through and paid out $18,000 to 18 high-achieving students. The initiative, which she described as an impromptu motivational tactic, stemmed from her desire to push her students beyond what they thought was possible.

"Honestly, it wasn't anything big. I knew it was a class that could do well, but their December grades didn't reflect their potential," she told THE STAR.

Grant, who primarily teaches drama and theatre arts along with social studies, noted the stark difference in how students engage with the two subjects. While social studies often sees a more serious classroom environment, drama struggles with being taken seriously by students who see it as just an 'acting' class. To keep students engaged, she frequently integrates interactive techniques. Her commitment to students hasn't gone unnoticed. Last September, she was awarded outstanding teacher of the visual and performing arts department as well as outstanding form teacher.

But nothing could have prepared her for the overwhelming response to her latest challenge.

"With the other class, nobody had even come close to 80 per cent in the last two exams, so I really wanted them to push themselves," she explained. The challenge worked. The class, which usually hovered around an average of 60s and 70s, saw a remarkable improvement. The two top-performing students, historically ahead of their peers, continued to excel, but what truly stood out was the collective drive to achieve more.

Grant's social media post about the challenge went viral, attracting offers from strangers willing to contribute. While she had prepared to cover the cost herself, an anonymous donor stepped in, telling her, "Is not beg you begging enuh, Miss." This unexpected generosity allowed her not only to reward the students, but also to set aside $2,000 towards another urgent need, a stage project fund.

"I see a lot of people reaching out to offer more support, and while I truly appreciate it, what I'd really love is assistance in fixing that stage before we have any accidents," she told THE STAR. The students' reactions also spoke volumes.

"The 80 and above students were over the moon. I even captured one of the young men jumping in excitement," Grant recalled. As for those who missed the mark?

"They were happy for their friends, but of course, you know they wished they could have been a part of the celebration," said Grant. That competitive spirit has now set the bar for the next major exam in June, where Grant expects the same level of excellence or higher.