Yes, Suzanne Keneda does pay her students to take classes. Well, it doesn’t cost real money, but her project called Keneda Ka$h is a hit in her classroom. It started as a way for her to make consumer math more meaningful and has grown into a full classroom economy.
Students can earn “cash” for attendance and can earn bonuses for bringing extra Kleenex or attending events like the school’s college night. She’s even figured out a simple way to tax students’ income—it’s supposed to mimic the real world, after all—before it can be spent. We asked Suzanne to share how it works, and we think it’s pretty genius.
Q: Where did the idea for Keneda Ka$h come from?
This is my fourth year working on Keneda Ka$h. It started because consumer math was part of my curriculum and I was tired of giving kids checkbook worksheets when most couldn’t even keep a checkbook. I think, If going to school is their job, why not pay them to do it? That’s how the idea came about.
Q: How does the system work on a daily basis?
The kids pay themselves a dollar a day. They use a Google spreadsheet I designed—it does all the math for them. They enter the date and mark it T (late), P (present) or A (absent). If they’re absent, they don’t make money. I hope it all falls on them and not me.
Q: What kind of bonuses do you offer?
I teach mostly 8th and 9th grade students, so I want to encourage them to try something outside of class. Huge bonuses include:
- $20 Attend an open day with people from home
- $50 Attend our area college night
- $5 Every box of tissues they bring
- $2 Wear ID, plus $5 If the whole class has an ID
- 50 cents Attend a spirit or dress-up day. (I’m very forgiving – pajama pants count!)
Q: Do you use real money? How do students track income?
No – no banknotes, no coupons. Everything is in their Google spreadsheet. Most kids have it open on their Chromebooks for daily updates.
Q: What’s new this year?
Paid time off! Students can lower their daily minimum grade when their net salary deductions reach $35. It’s not derived from their total – it’s free. I want them to experience what PTO means in the real world.
Q: How do taxes and stores work?
At the end of the six weeks, they fill out a Google form and calculate net pay versus gross pay. They pay:
- 20% in tax
- 10% rent
- 5% medical insurance
They can then buy snacks at “Kmart” (usually $5 per serving) or redeem the cash for extra points (at a 2:1 ratio). At the end of the semester, any remaining cash can be exchanged for exam points (ratio 4:1). My semester exam has 100 questions, so that really motivates them!
Q: What impact has Keneda Ka$h made?
The kids said, “I don’t want to lose my cash,” so they stayed in class. Parents email me and laugh at my gross vs. net salary. You’d be surprised how hard kids work for unreal money!
Q: What advice would you give to other teachers who might want to try something similar?
Jump in! Ask the children what rewards they would like – usually food and extra credit. Adjust as you go. The shop is only open on statistical days, which makes it feel special. And ensure awards follow campus guidelines. Keneda Ka$h holds kids accountable like a real job.
