Guide To Your Best Year Teaching With Smart K-12 Goal Setting Methods

STOP Crying in the Restroom.
com
A Guide to Your Best Year Teaching With SMART K12 Goal Setting Methods
HOTLINKed eBook Series

(Video’s, Articles, and Other Tools)
LaRon A. Carter
A Former US Marine and Veteran K – 12 Education Behavioral Strategist
web: http://www.laroncarter.com
email: bemyguestteacher@gmail.com
phone: 206.350.2650
© 2009 LaRonCarter.com
Stop Crying in the Restroom [it ain’t that deep]: A Guide to Your Best Year Teaching With SMART K12 Goal Setting Methods ! LaRon A. Carter 020
Do your students send you home in tears?
Sometimes it’s our own kids, and other Stop Crying in the Restroom the eBook is
times it’s other people’s kids that send us loaded with active hot links to blog post,
into a crying spiral. I normally don’t allow teaching resources, and inspiring videos
kids that much authority over my by credible teachers from: TED, PBS’s
emotions, but I am in touch with my Tavis Smiley, Zig Ziglar and many more
feelings and at times extremely emotional [click links or copy and paste work cited
about things I’m passionate about. And notes].
believe me when I say, “Teaching is at the
top of that list.” I guarantee you will enjoy teaching again
after applying my system for clearly
If you find yourself crying behind the identifying the problem, developing
scenes or have ran into someone crying in specific actions for your goals, and
the restroom because their learning how to monitor your results.
world is out of control, give them a Your students will be empowered to learn
copy of this FREE eBook. Then and your boss will brag about your
make their day by encouraging them to classroom management style. Now that
become the leader they were created to should stop a few tears or hire me and I’ll
be. There’s going to be more tears over bring the tissue.
the years, they just don’t have to be
connected to classroom management
issues. LaRon Carter, The Guest Teacher
This is the highly reprinted FREE eBook inspired by the Asphalt Check Stressed Out K – 12 Education Blog Series. Carter is licensing this eBook under
the Creative Commons License, Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/. I wrote this series as a guide for those struggling to
maintain or regain control of their classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds but just about any profession will benefit from it. Please
share this by email, post on your blog, or link it often so teachers can get back to doing what they LOVE . . . Teaching.
© 2009 LaRonCarter.com * Problem Solving System Poster, http://www.scribd.com/doc/17005271/PAR-Poster

If you don’t get anything else out of this eBook, get this: PGA
1 Clearly identify a classroom Problem

that had you crying in the past.
2 Create a Goal that targets a

specific problem.
Develop an Action plan “Focus on the
Golden Tissue . . .
goal, not the task.
3
that will drive home See it happening,
success. not how to get it
done.”
Star Trek Voyager, Episode
.
STEP 1 Envision Your Problem Solving Mission
volume content
Call to Action, 66
Pursuit of Mission, 11
STEP 2 The Big Idea Behind Creating Goals
Clearly Defined Goals, 17
Focused Goals, 22
STEP 3 Being SMART About Your Goals
Specific Goals, 27
Measurable Goals, 32
Action Based Goals, 36
Realistic Goals, 40
Time Based Goals, 43
Stressed Out K – 12 Education Series, 47

Stop Crying in the Restroom [it ain’t that deep]: A Guide to Effective Goal Setting for Any Teacher on a Mission ! LaRon A. Carter
"A master can tell you what he expects of you.

A teacher, though, awakens your own STEP 1 Envision Your Problem Solving Mission
expectations."
Patricia Neal
2.0
Call to Action The Question
"When you discover your Discovering your life’s mission could mean a lifetime of research and development.
mission, you will feel its demand. Would you agree? At 30, I sold my highly successful window cleaning company to
It will fill you with enthusiasm become a full-time substitute teacher. I know it sounds crazy, right? Shortly after that I
and a burning desire to answered the call to work with students no one else wanted to teach, it became my life
get to work on it." long mission, and at 33 I went back to college and earned a certification to teach K – 12
students diagnosed with emotional challenges.
W. Clement Stone
One of my biggest hurdles teaching students suffering from sexual, emotional, and
physical abuse is that these types of self-esteem beat downs make it extremely hard to
rebuild the way they think about themselves and what they have to offer the world. For
many of them it is a daily struggle to survive let alone think of a reason not to end it all.
My assignment at that moment in time is to help my students discover a reason why they
should keep coming to school, turning in homework, and acting like they really give a
damn about living in hell on earth. At that point things can get out of control and send the
best of us to the restroom screaming, “What’s the purpose?”
Surly, I am not the only one wondering why all my enthusiasm and its burning desire to
teach fall short when I need to succeed the most. When I’m failing miserably and
Photo Credit by bobster1985 of everything looks chaotic, I need an answer to, “Why am I here?”
Hubert Humphrey, Civil Rights Pioneer, 1948 5
The Statement
In some of my previous blog post I shared In this eBook series (V2.0 – 2.8) I’ll
tips on how making accurate observations explore how creating[2] clearly defined and
can be the start of turning you into a power measurable goals leads to a teacher with
teacher. If you have ever wanted more a purposeful life mission. Regaining
from your performance or looked for control of your classroom begins with
solutions to your classroom management regaining control of your purpose.
problems, sit down and write a well-written Throughout this small book I will share real
mission statement, it will define and life applications of how effective goal
measure your success, the results may setting has worked for me. My hope is
even make you look like a genius. that you help me turn this into a real
conversation by extending this dialog to
[1]
Elizabeth Gilbert author of Eat, Pray, your colleagues next door or the neighbor
Love, spoke at TED on nurturing down the street. Maybe you have a friend
creativity. In a very funny and personal or family member that needs this system
way she shares the radical idea that, in their life. I believe getting back to the
instead of the rare person "being" a basics of running your program will dry up
genius, all of us "have" a genius. She some of those tears and cut back on all
poses the question, “Why not think this the extra tissue being used in restrooms
way?” Why not think differently about across America . . . If anything it should
releasing your genius to help discover make a bunch of us tree huggers happy,
your mission? W. Clement Stone (my poke at telling an eBook joke).
wrote, "When you discover your
mission, you will feel its demand. It will
fill you with enthusiasm and a burning
desire to get to work on it."
The Call to Action
Maybe you are pulling your hair out, as a new teacher, looking for ways to regain
control of your classroom. If so, you’re balding like me and should start thinking of
how you would want your program to run if everything were perfect.
Like you haven’t already, right?
Discover your mission, write it down, and walk it out.
What I will attempt to do in this section is light up the idea of

designing a classroom environment that shines with possibility.[3]
Here’s what you do.

• Dust off that Philosophy Statement (and anything else you have) from those
400/500 Level College of Education intern courses.
Edit your old mission statement where necessary. Be sure it fits into the real world
of teaching, as you know it today. Lets not waist time if you can’t find it, simply start
over.
• Listen to the voice of change. Make adjustments in how you define your purpose
so that you’re less self-serving and more giving to others.
Chances are you have done your homework and genuinely put some time into
understanding yourself and how you can best serve your students and their families. You
do understand that you are serving an entire family when you serve a student, don’t you?
Ok, we’ll pick that conversation up later. But for now I want to show you some love for
making it this far. If no one has told you Problem Solving Action
lately, “I appreciate you devoting your
career to serving all those other people’s Go to this link and download my personal
bad kids. I appreciate all that you do to classroom mission statement[4] and guide.
make a difference in your student’s life I hope it kick-starts new ideas about who
even though they send you to the you are and where you can lead your
restroom crying sometimes. I love you for students. In the next eBook section I’ll
that and there’s nothing that you can do break down how this all works in your
about it. And when life seems to be classroom.
getting the best of you, remember what my
“Your mission will grandmother would tell me, ‘It ain’t that
Golden Tissue . . .
deep,’ baby. You’ll make it.”

never aim you in
the wrong
HOTLINKS
[1]
http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html
direction. He’ll [2]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhVYNlaUIWk&feature=channel_page
leave that call up

[3]
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-rose/the-self-sustaining-class_b_165821.html
[4]
http://www.scribd.com/doc/10163458/LaRon-Carters-Classroom-Mission-Statement
to you.” [5]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32912172@N00/3017758495/
The Guest Teacher
Personal note on your call to action . . .
Hopefully, this new eBook series helps you re-gain the confidence needed for
carrying out your mission to teach those you serve in K – 12 classrooms.
Remember [it ain’t that deep], the problems you have plus the actions you take to
resolve them equal the results you get [or not]. Apply this goal-setting guide to your
teaching game plan and recover your passion to do what’s inside of you, Teacher.
Blessings of Peace, Love, and Happiness, LaRon
P.S. Remember to flush after using the restroom.
2.1
Pursuit of a Mission More Questions
"Hey don’t let someone tell What smacks me upside the head [like that funny V8 commercial] is that if our mission in
you. . . You can’t do something. life is important enough to require years of refinement, why then don’t we spend more
Not even me. All right." time studying the idea of purpose? I mean what’s the reason you are here reading this
eBook? Why do you even desire correcting your behavioral management problems when
Christopher Gardner
your closest family and friends are telling you, “You’ll never be able to teach those kids?”
Have you figured out the purpose behind your mission? Do you really understand what
you are pursuing? What is your purpose for wanting to teach in the first place? And if
that’s the case why have you allowed yourself and others to talk you out of it? There is
simply no better person than you for carrying out your mission.
Mount up!
Many teachers have given up on their dream in less than three years on the job because
they lacked purpose. I am a highly trained US Marine. I understand mission and the
purpose behind carrying one out. And trust me when I say, “When you find a purpose for
Photo Credit by dbking of your life that is bigger than you, all of hell’s forces will come against you carrying out that
Chris Gardner author, Pursuit of Happyness [5] mission successfully.”
As a Marine I was better equipped to carry out a mission under two basic conditions.
First, I was not sent out for battle until I passed extreme training. Secondly, I didn’t
deploy without the armor and equipment needed to carry out my job. Like soldiers,
teachers are also better equipped for battle after training for specific conditions of the
assigned environment. But, our universities and colleges of education are sending
teachers out to fight academic battles dream, you got to protect it. You want
without the full armor needed to carry out something – go get it. Period.”
the best practices for leaving no child Are you willing to pursue your mission until
behind. it is complete? In the words of record
mogul and Hip Hop Legend Kevin Lyles,[2]
Here at Empowering Basics University “Make it happen.”
(EBU) I train and equip you with the
helmet of individual educational planning, The Genius In Us
the flap jacket of cultural understanding,
the belt of student protection, boots to help We must think differently about how to
you through hostile situations, the shield of produce winning outcomes for the goals
faith for your unbelief, your weapons which we’re chasing after. For most of us that
are street smarts from personal life means thinking differently about the
lessons, and the word of God’s wisdom creative genius I spoke about in Stop
that can only be gained from playing far Crying in the Restroom volume section
above the pavement. V2.0 (Elizabeth Gilbert, TED Talk). Our
creative genius is not only on the line, but
Hang in here with me for a minute, will our students depend on our genius.
you? Have you ever wondered how long As a matter of fact they probably won’t
you’ll be in this career? Are you unhappy even show up if we haven’t found our
because you just can’t seem to grab creative genius. You know what I mean.
classroom discipline by the ears? For a student to be absent is one thing.
Understanding the problems of any But, for a student to be physically present
classroom management challenge will in class and somewhere else mentally
outline a strategy for how you solve it? because the teacher doesn’t have his stuff
[1]
Listen to what Chris Gardner wrote in the together is a federal crime – so to speak.
movie Pursuit of Happyness, “You got a
Back to the Basics
Before you begin planning for next semester or next year’s core curriculum objectives,
you will need to create clearly defined goals. Dorit Sasson[3] says, “Teachers start the
new year thinking that by writing a long list of goals, they are putting themselves in
charge. But committing to a long list is not realistic and it is a sure recipe to even quicker
burnout, which in the long run does not help you achieve anything.”
Need I remind you that if you are not clear about what you want out of yourself, you’ll be
opening up the doors to a stressed filled teaching experience from the minute the bell
rings. Get ready.
When I sat down to create goals on my first teaching assignment I really didn’t
fully understand what I was doing. I was just fortunate enough to have more
success than failures from the goals I had created. The success behind
those goals allowed me to teach with less stress and more confidence. I saw
it this way, being able to experience behavioral management success
leveraged my lesson-planning ability so that my pacing wasn’t thrown off.
Can you see how these two worked together in creating a less stressful classroom
environment? The bottom line on any job is productivity. Basically, reducing stress by
using the best methods affects the bottom line. Creating measurable goals that clearly
address core problems sets you up for being productive.
Regardless of what we set goals for, whether personal or professional, following a

universal system and mastering it makes life more beautiful all around. Here are 5 Key
Steps to Achieving Your Goals. These Problem Solving Action

are the very steps I’ve been using in my
life long before classroom teaching. Take 20 minutes and review the video and
blog links above. Then go deeper into
1. Decide on most important goals and what goal setting is about[4] before we
make them measurable. investigate why mission statements are
2. Attach your goals to a timeline. important in the upcoming eBook V2.2.
3. Build your team of advisors.
4. Stay focused. Don’t get distracted.
5. Complete your projects, reflect, and
make adjustments before moving
“ If you have any
Golden Tissue . . .
onto the next clearly defined goal.

doubt in you're
ability to walk in HOTLINKS
[1]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j1qPTjDhlQ&feature=PlayList&p=39A8BBC874C0CFF8&index=1
unwavering faith [2]
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2043607
today ~ Shhh, be
[3]
http://teachertipstraining.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_create_a_successful_2009_teaching_plan
[4]
http://www.about-goal-setting.com/
still and listen. [5]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bootbearwdc/1136824072/
You've already
won!”
The Guest Teacher
A personal note on pursuing your mission . . .
Pursuing your mission is a journey like no other, because all of your experiences
along the way are clumped together as part of the preparation process. Those
experiences define who you are and how you handle [little] people that get in the
way of reaching your goals.
Learning to create goals and developing strategies to achieve them guides us

toward our life mission. We should be able to successfully walk right into a chance
of a lifetime when it shows up. The secret is to prepare for opportunities that don’t
exist. Don’t let someone tell you. . . You can’t do it – You just might believe them.
Big Things Await You, LaRon
P.S. Check for tissue before sitting down, you may need it.
"High expectations are the key to everything" STEP 2 The Big Idea Behind Creating Goals
Sam Walton
2.2
Clearly Defined Goals Danger Zone, No Goal Ahead
"What you get by achieving your How dangerous is not having goals? Extremely. Well, lets say not having clearly defined
goals is not as important as what goals and an effective action plan for your goals is extremely dangerous. According to
you become by achieving 27-year teaching veteran Laura Candler[1] of lauracandler.com, “Academia is finally
your goals." recognizing that academics aren’t the only road to future success. Often it’s the non-
Zig Ziglar academic curriculum that’s most helpful in preparing students for life.”
Many times your colleagues will approach projects with cookie cutter strategies and some
will create lesson plans out of plain old ignorance. But the smarter teacher operates in a
less stressed learning environment because she understands how teaching methods
work. She gets help with her Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and seeks to understand
her purpose behind delivering lessons to each student she serves based on his or her
learning style.
Fundamental Basics
Not to say you need an IEP team meeting on every issue or special certification (although
Photo Credit by johnthecone of it would make you extremely valuable in a pink slip take over), but you do want to develop
Madison World Champions 2008[8]
skill sets for meeting the basic needs of your students. You are more than able to
develop extraordinary skills for meeting your student’s needs by following some of the
concepts and ideas covered here in the Stop Crying in the Restroom eBook series.
Follow this PGA Formula: 1) Clearly identify a classroom problem that had you crying in
the past, 2) Create a goal that targets a specific problem, 3) Think through an action that
will drive home success.
Listen for Clues Get the most out of your students
Elizabeth Gilbert[2] was on point in her Tavis Smiley, [5] talks about getting the
description of thinking differently most out of your subject in an interview by
about creative genius. Don’t be doing your homework (know the back
afraid to think outside the box story) and having natural
when working on your lesson conversations in
plans. Of course you should what he calls listening
always have the final decision generously. Be a generous
of what goals to pursue in your listener of your student’s life
program. stories as you follow specific details
that can help you set some really
In a cool video I found Zig Ziglar[3] meaningful goals. Details of their story
reiterates that we choose to accomplish will provide critical information needed
our goals, but to achieve your goals takes to get the most out of your students.
a proven formula and aggressive action.
And if you know the formula it really Understanding details not only reduces
doesn’t matter what the goal is, you can’t classroom management stress, it also
loose. Don’t hesitate on getting valuable paves a way for your career
input from your department, your students, accomplishments. Here’s where effective
and to a certain degree from their student interviewing techniques are
immediate family for important goal extremely important for achieving your
setting[4] ideas, it could make all the goals. Deciding on the most important
difference. Your team may just have the goals may be radically different from what
winning formula for your classroom goal you originally had in mind once you gather
setting success. specific detailed information from your
students and their families.
Think of it as the student being on loan. Your goal is to help the parents get their child
across the finish line, preferably in first place. The way I see it, you have two options.
One you can be an agent for change. Or be regularly stressed out and crying in the
restroom from doing what realistically isn’t working for you. Listen to what your students
are saying and watch great things happen as a result of picking up on their clues.
Case Study
Kendra Van Wagner[7] reports in her article, Breakfast and Learning, a study conducted by
Harvard researchers found that students who ate breakfast were "…significantly more
attentive in the classroom, earned higher grades in math, and had significantly fewer
behavioral and emotional problems.”
I was facilitating Profound Impact vs. Stress and Frustration Workshops[6] at a

Michigan Education Association conference recently when a group of new school
employees mind mapped ideas for their mission statement. The group identified
things like student achievement and an inviting environment as their #1 mission
statement goals. However, after further investigation (through mock student and
family interviews) we discovered for their case study student nutritional needs first
thing in the morning made a stronger case for being their number one educational goal.
Can you see how it maybe a more effective goal to feed children before meaningful
learning happens? This is the kind of investigative conversations that will help you
to get clear on which goals are most important at that time and space. I have learned the
hard way that reality is relative to what the person is going through, not necessarily what
I’ve experienced in the past.
We have discovered that if you haven’t experienced a situation you may not be able to
activate the buttons for solving the problem. Realistically, helping someone else to solve
their own problems involves persuading them to change their perspective to another
reality set of actions.
Problem Solving Action
Identify your top three goals according to importance of being able to manage your
classroom. Then verify their importance with a mentor that genuinely advocates
putting children first. In the next eBook (V2.3) I’ll shine a light on why setting dates
on measurable goals are so important.
HOTLINKS
“Don’t let your
Golden Tissue . . .
[1]
http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev151.shtml
reality
[2]
http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html
[3]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae-VJ_lauCw&NR=1
overshadow the [4]
http://www.1181.sk/magazine/?cat=7
real problems, [5]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loPmtnxI12o
because you
[6]
http://www.scribd.com/LaRon%20Carter
[7]
http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologyexperiments/a/breakfast-exper.htm?rd=1
weren’t really [8]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnthescone/3124085744/
listening.”
The Guest Teacher
A personal note on your clearly defined goals . . .
Zig Ziglar’s words of wisdom will live far beyond his years here on earth. He helps
us to see what’s most important in life doesn’t he? All of us want to be recognized for
our achievements whether we admit it or not. Somewhere along the way I believe
what we’ve become will be more important than the goals achieved.
Learn to listen generously whenever having a conversation with your students or

their families. Your street credibility (what people are saying about you outside the
classroom) will gain stock value after demonstrating an ability to listen from the
heart. Generously.
Become Your Biggest Achievements, LaRon
P.S. A simple, but poignant rule, the better you listen the better you’re going to teach.
2.3
Focused Goals Steep Curves Ahead
“People often procrastinate In volume 2.2 I wrote, “In the next eBook section I’ll shine light on why setting dates for
because they don’t have a clear measurable goals are so important.” Here it is. Acclaimed authors and business
picture of what’s important. And coaches Ken Blanchard and Steve Gottry wrote, “People often procrastinate because
knowing what’s important involves they don’t have a clear picture of what’s important. And knowing what’s important
knowing where they’ve been, involves knowing where they’ve been, where they are now, and where they are
where they are now, and where headed.” Well, if there was ever any doubt as to the importance of eliminating
they are headed.” procrastination, unbelief, and distractions as it pertains to clearly defined goals this is it.
Don’t be distracted from what’s most important, no matter what the case may be. Stay
Ken Blanchard and Steve Gottry,
The On-Time On-Target Manager focused.
Over the last couple of weeks of this writing project I missed important deadlines –it was
do to distractions, missed valuable appointments –distracted, and just yesterday lost a
contract because I did not respond in a timely manner to a phone call to confirm a “done
deal” –costly distractions. Here me when I say stay focused on your goals.
Faith, More Than a Word
Life sometimes opens windows that blow in all kinds of stuff from the outside, but we must
be resilient. We have to press through the challenges that would otherwise knock us
down and take our focus off of the goal. At the end of each television and radio
Photo Credit by Laura Padgett of broadcast, talk show host Tavis Smiley[1] encourages his listeners to, “Keep The Faith” [2a]
Astronomical Clock [6]
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIst0tWhU-Q).[2b] Tavis, I couldn’t have said it better.
Faith is our ability to weather storms with a peaceful spirit. Faith should be the foundation
for achieving goals bigger than you; it’s unknown, but Peter F. Drucker[4]
confidence in the mist of doubt. Stand firm considered the top management thinker of
on this instruction and don’t be distracted. his time outlined a system that was very
similar to SMART objectives while
Procrastination Kills discussing objective-based management
in his classic 1954 seminal work, "The
On the other hand, procrastination is an Practice of Management."
evildoer all by itself. Procrastination
doesn’t need any help from us although Smart is an acronym for:
“Being smart isn’t
Golden Tissue . . .
we seem to be more than willing to assist S – specific

always making in its wicked ways of shredding our goals M – measurable
the right choices. to pieces. Procrastination is one of the A – action based and adjustable
chief distracters we can put on our payroll. R – realistic and reachable
It’s also making And, trust me procrastination will cost you. T – time oriented or time based
a decision to So, rather than give in to its cry for pay
quickly change a increase let’s investigate systems that Forbes describes rose action planning as:
previously poor break the harness of procrastination and R – rationale. What is my God
it’s ability to eat up timelines leading to our given purpose?
choice.” success. Send procrastination to the O – objective. What are 3 – 5
unemployment office. things I must do to
The Guest Teacher
meet my rationale
The System of Goals this year?
S – strategy. What must I do
I have had the privilege of studying under each day/week to
some great teachers in my lifetime. One satisfy my
[3]
of them is Dr. David C. Forbes Jr. who objective?
taught me to create SMART goals and E – evaluation. Monthly/quarterly
ROSE action plans, both of which were look into patterns of
passed onto him from other teachers. track record toward
The first use of the term SMART is my goals
When coached correctly both S.M.A.R.T. Problem Solving Action

and R.O.S.E. systems have been
instrumental in making my goals and How has procrastination really messed up
dreams happen. Over the next few Stop your goals in or outside of the classroom?
Crying in the Restroom [it ain’t that deep]: Re-write your goals using the S.M.A.R.T.
A Guide to Your Best Year Teaching K – and R.O.S.E. systems. I have created a
12 With SMART Goal Setting Methods template from notes of Dr. David C.
volume sections I will commit to sharing Forbes Jr. teaching’s that will help to
the very best goal-setting strategies that I produce extraordinary results here:
know. http://www.scribd.com/my_docs#tab:folder
:63081[5]
We both know any goal worth going after
will inevitably be tested for structural flaws.
Even our intent will undergo stress tests
for authenticity. So, don’t even think
about giving up on your goals to become
the very best teacher you can be without
embracing the journey in its entirety.
You’ve got your work cut out for you.
Together, faith, confidence, and focused
goals produce winning outcomes.
HOTLINKS
[1]
http://www.tavistalks.com
[2a]
http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Faith-Stories-Courage-Healing/dp/0385721692
[2b]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIst0tWhU-Q
[3]
http://www.eilm.org/bioDForbes.html
[4]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_F._Drucker
[5]
http://www.scribd.com/my_docs#tab:folder:63081
[6]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurapadgett/2657920264
A personal note on your focused goals . . .
Ken Blanchard and Steve Gottry instruct us as to what’s important by knowing where
you’ve been, where you are now, and where you are headed. This simple system can
be complicated for some of us depending on the roads we’ve taken in life. But, don’t
be discouraged by the journey.
Look to the future, you now have a formula for success that can simplify all of that
drama from the past. Use the S.M.A.R.T. and R.O.S.E. goal setting systems to become
your biggest achievements.
Be smart and smell the roses along the way, LaRon
P.S. If what you leave behind doesn’t smell like roses, open the windows and spray
something. Don’t just walk away, I’m right behind you.
"Goals are the guidepost along the road that

make a compelling vision come alive."
Ken Blanchard and Fred Finch,
STEP 3 Being SMART About Your Goals
Leading at a Higher Level
2.4
Specific Goals Can You Be More Specific?
"Education is too important to be Reference the case of Jeremy below (Asphalt Check: Teaching Basics 1.1)[1]. The 3rd
left solely to the educators." grader that was getting kicked out of school for repeatedly being late. I interviewed his
teachers, paraprofessionals, the principal, main office staff, Jeremy, and finally his big
Francis Keppel
brother J.R. before having a conversation with the boy’s grandfather. All in an effort to
keep one child from being left behind, so to say.
Interview as a Practiced Conversation

After pulling the young guy off to the side of his opened classroom door I
confirmed, “Things just don’t go the way we planned sometimes, huh?” His eyes
gave him away. I hadn’t noticed them before. There wasn’t much there. His
stare was part detached and part sleepy. I could tell by the crusty corners of his
eyelids. A sign he wasn’t being monitored before leaving for school.
Not really sure why I asked if he had any older brothers or sisters there at school.
But asking that question became standard inquiry for the rest of my career.
Jeremy responded, “My older brother comes by to pick me up after school.” So I
asked, “Where is he coming from when he meets you here?” Jeremy said, “He
Photo Credit by Shoofly1 [6]
gets out early from middle school.” Aha! (Joseph A. Almeida)[2]
7 years, minus 2 days
Acceptable Solicitation
“What does everyone call him,” I asked. Jeremy perked up and said with a
giggle, “He’s J.R.”
Now, it was on. I’ll surprise J.R. by calling him by his name of endearment and inspire him to
rise to the occasion with a little flattery. 3:23 pm rolled around and J.R. was posted right where
Jeremy said he’d be. (Dakarai I. Aarons)[3]
Mr. C: “Whatup J.R.? You know this kid? Super Star Service!
I’ve been impressed with the way he carries As it turns out they where living with a
himself around here. Now I see it’s pretty widowed grandfather who had gone back to
obvious where he gets it from.” working third shift to provide for the boys. I
guess Pops was making it home between J.R.
(After a favorable introduction by leaving for school and Jeremy waking up.
Jeremy – J.R was acceptably solicited Pops was elderly and often exhausted from
for me to be on his team and I needed working at the plant. Most often he didn’t
him to post up in the paint while I realize that his grandson was still in bed until
drove the ball up the court. Being long after school started.
likable wins fans to your cause and
scores big time.) The whole thing was driving a wedge between
the student, the teacher, and administration.
“I need a favor from you.” A basic case of missed communication,
primarily the school’s for not connecting with
J.R.: “What’s good?” Jeremy’s family. Look for opportunities to
service the customer throughout the day.
Mr. C: “I need for you to suit up with this big Discover the areas needing service and
brother thing and start getting little man up in connect[4] the power sources before getting all
“Upon graduating from the morning. Can you handle that?” stressed out over basic problem solving
Georgetown University, I felt situations. You are a Customer Service Super
an obligation to continue J.R.: “For sure.” Star. (The National Council on Teacher
teaching, formally this time, Quality)[5].
with Teach for America, an Mr. C: “I also need for you to bring him with
organization that allows the you and drop him off here on you way to Setting specific goals to meet the student’s
nation's top college school. I figure he can get his eat on and
needs are extremely important to building
graduates to teach in low- chill in my classroom, maybe do some of that
income communities to pass due homework from all those tardies
trust and credibility with your students and
change the trajectory of he’s been getting.” ultimately their family. Go back and
students' lives with an review Purpose Teaching: Clearly Defined
excellent education.” J.R.: “No problem Mr. C., I got you.” Goals (V2.2) you’ll see how workshop
Joseph A. Almeida
attendees discovered that for their case study “student nutritional needs” being met made
a stronger case for being the number one goal. In mock interviews we had to listen to the
data and what it was saying about the community. We made student behavioral
observations and listened to what the family was saying about learning in their
neighborhoods, particularly in a suffocating economy.
Goals You Make Happen
Think about it. The ‘S’ in S.M.A.R.T. goal systems (V2.3) stands for specific. Great
success never follows vague ideas. Can you hear failure in this goal? I will help all my
“Don’t forget to students to succeed. That’s a really broad goal, right? A more specific goal is written like
Golden Tissue . . .
focus on your this: I will create small teams of support groups with each student’s caretakers to help
monitor and reinforce my lessons and other instructions. By soliciting the help of others,
mental, physical, you reduce the personal stress of trying to be a super teacher all by yourself.
and spiritual well
being, otherwise One of the important questions I’d ask my students each new marking period was, “What
those you care is the purpose of going to school?” My students almost always respond with, “To get an
education – To get a job” – And an occasional, “To keep my parents happy.” Is it any
about will pay wonder why students aren’t producing quality work? They aren’t clear on any specific
for it.” academic goals.
The Guest Teacher Communicate specific goals to your students in your mission statement. Identify specific
characteristics and personal values that carry enough weight to breathe life into your
goals. Help your students understand the value of applying themselves to produce a
quality education from the inside out. Help them set goals that will produce highly
intelligent, highly paid for problem-solving technicians employers are seeking to fill the
ranks of their workforce with.
Goals Student Make Happen and I will complete all missed assignments
immediately and put together a study
Students that have specific goals no group of my peers if needed.
longer enter the classroom with blinders
on. Listen to your students for details. For those with challenges of making the
grade, write goals like this: I will monitor
For those with challenges of following my grades weekly. I’ll have conversations
the wrong crowd, write goals like this: I with my teachers for understanding how to
will surround myself with people that are get the most out of his/her assignments. I
smarter than me and can hold me will prepare for nothing less than an “A”
accountable to achieving my goals. grade and ask for extra credit because I’m
worth it (refer to V2.7 realistic goals).
For those with challenges of
starting/finishing homework, write goals Problem Solving Action
like this: I will keep all assignments in my
organizer and begin working on them as By now you probably have re-wrote your
soon as I get home while eating my snack. specific classroom goals using S.M.A.R.T.
and R.O.S.E. systems. Review those
For those with challenges of attendance, goals and investigate how adjusting them
write goals like this: I will miss no more to meet specific needs of your students
than one day of school this marking period and their situation will make a difference in
your classroom management style.
HOTLINKS
[1]
http://laroncarter.wordpress.com/2009/02/05/a-teacher%E2%80%99s-customer-service-connects-power-
sources/
[2]
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090201/OPINION/902010349
[3]
http://www.edweek.org/login.html?source=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/01/28/19la.h28.html&dest
ination=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/01/28/19la.h28.html&levelId=2100
[4]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPQxKRMSKtM&feature=channel_page
[5]
http://www.nctq.org/stpy08/
[6]
© 2009 LaRonCarter.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/shosh/2406345411
A personal note on your specific goals . . .
Jeremy’s case turned out really cool for everyone involved. He got administration
off his back. His big brother stepped up his game responsibly. And Jeremy’s self-
esteem rebounded from all the extra time spent catching up on his past due work.
Specific goals require focused attention. Focused attention demands our sensitivity
to students needs. Being sensitive is only a description of what we are capable of
doing the action is responsive.
To being specific in your goals and focused on the students, LaRon
P.S. Above all, realize that your personal success precedes classroom success.
2.5
Measurable Goals Commit to the Process
"Action is the real measure Before looking closer at the science of goals, I need you to commit. Commit to staying
of intelligence." the course and eliminating the very idea of procrastination. Basically I’m asking you to
Napoleon Hill move your feet. As a new teacher you will face obstacles that may send you home in
tears, screaming all the way up the Lodge Freeway. So, cry it out, but commit to clearly
identifying the problems and creating aggressive action plans to make significant changes
in the way you deal with classroom issues. Don’t just stand there waiting for something to
happen or worst than that looking the other way as if you don’t see that elephant dropping
those damn turds all over the place.
One thing I had to realize early on was creating effective goals could not be accomplished
by cramming the night before like some of us did in undergrad. You’re literally in the real
world now and half stepping will kill your career by strangulation. The business of
building undeniable confidence to achieve your goals begins with understanding what’s
most important. I can’t say it enough. You must identify what’s most important for
your students and for you. Sometimes that can only be achieved through extensive
interviews with a bunch of people, as mentioned in previous Stop Crying eBook volumes.
(Tavis Smiley in SCR eBook V2.2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loPmtnxI12o )
1
Photo Credit by Marvin L
365.031 Same Old Day..
Measure Against a Known
The next step after creating specific goals is to make them measurable against something
you already know the measurement of. What am I talking about? I mean to make your
goals along side of things with size, depth, and volume like a calendar, a grade book, or
previous accomplishments. Sometimes you may need to measure against someone
else’s goals just to get started. I have to

caution you to use comparison goal setting
with a dose of maturity though. There are
too many unknowns on that playground.
You can get sucked into somebody else’s
school employee drama real easy. But if
you have to measure that way to gauge an
idea of what you’re up against, have at it
for a quick minute then back off and
"With many
Golden Tissue . . .
create tailored goals to meet your
own professional needs.
readers brilliancy
Basically, you’re wasting time of style passes
writing goals if you haven’t added a for affluence of
measurable clause. Measuring your thought; they
outcome is the only way to know where
you stand. I know you already know this,
mistake
but sometime we forget the basics. Allow buttercups in
me to engage you. Suppose you have a the grass for
goal to increase customer services
immeasurable
provided to your students in the area of
teacher to parent network, a measurable
mines of gold
goal looks like this: under ground."
1) I will increase my telephone calls with Henry Wadsworth
parents by 50% this week [Texting or Longfellow
Direct Message Tweeting is acceptable in

moderations. Ear–to–ear and face–to–
face contacts are most effective for
establishing working relationships in
between social network platforms. I don’t You may not want to add them onto your
recommend social media use ONLY for Facebook network. LMBO. Be creative
.50 X 4 contacts = 2 establishing trusted and credible and increase your goals effectively by
PGA Formula #1
networking connections]. making them measurable. It always helps

That’s 4 contacts + 2 to have someone hold you accountable.
more calls for 2) Now if last week your connect rate was Be focused and consistent. Keep
6 this week 8 household contacts out of a total of 200 increasing your productivity and keep the
students your goal will be: faith as Smiley would say.
I will add 4 extra contacts onto the current
8 contacts to equal 12 household contacts The next eBook 7 of 9 or V2.6 is a must
for this week. download. I call it Action Based Goals and
.50 X 8 contacts = 4
PGA Formula #2
it is loaded with valuable links that will help

You should have some success with that taking action to reach you goals easier. I
That’s 8 contacts + 4
goal so carry it over to the next week (3). suspect you will want to pass it around to
more calls for
12 this week other teachers on a mission to inspire
3) I will add 6 extra contacts onto the 12 to those they serve.
equal 18 household contacts for week.
Problem Solving Action
Keep this going until you’re at a rate of
.50 X 12 contacts = 6
PGA Formula #3
about three contacts a day and they don’t Write measurable details to your goals.
have to all be phone calls. Some of the Journal how adding measurable details to
That’s 12 contacts + 6 contacts can be emails, text messages, specific goals will enhance your focus of
more calls for
tweets, or old school face-to-face seeing whether you’re on track or not?
18 this week
connections.
HOTLINKS
[1]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marvin_lee/3246525585
A personal note on your measurable goals . . .
Napoleon Hill has always been one of my favorites on face value as he has been in
the back-story of his life. But at the end of the day you’ve got to give the man his
props. He said, “Action is the real measure of intelligence.”
Dissect what you read, what you’ve read, and what you will read in the future for
gaining better understanding about how to take action of what you trust is wise
counsel. Then pass the experience onto some other learned soul.
Paying it forward is the true measure of gratitude, LaRon
P.S. As a man thinks about it it is his faith actions that create the real of it all.
2.6
Action Based Goals Rubber Meets the Road
"A thought which does not result in I’ve grown to love this part of goal setting. Don’t just stand there. You have to do
an action is nothing much, and an something. Action based goal setting is where the rubber meets the road. When I
action which does not proceed created Empowering Basics University 20 years ago I didn’t understand how important
from a thought is nothing at all." taking actions were for me to produce the results I desired the most. I didn’t know any
Georges Bernanos better. I was young and just made things happen. If I could think it, it was in motion
within minutes. I don’t move as fast as I used to, however actions remain the foundation
for my company’s three-step problem-solving model called PAR (problems + actions =
result)[1]. George Bernanos said, “A thought which does not result in and action is nothing
much, and an action which does not proceed from a thought is nothing at all.”
PAR Technology
I like to put it this way. The problems you have plus the actions you take equal the results
you get. It doesn’t get any simpler than that. Master it and then teach this to your
students. Lead by example. The results of your actions will be the yardstick for
measuring your goals. (Note: Run your ideas by department head before taking action.)
Photo Credit by ~*Leah*~ [2] Here’s how it works. One of my goals may be to bring students and parents together with
153/365 Storm Clouds
the community leaders in order to network people who would not otherwise be connected.
Social and economic disconnect may have been a problem in the past. The task of
networking is orchestrated by specific actions. The actions might be a familiar method
practiced in the past based on the dynamics of the group or your strategies may look
brand new to the participants. The specifics of each situation may call for a different
method of action. The key here is to take action. Don’t be afraid of doing a combination
of different methods in order to produce desired results.
Be the Change Agent Video Conferences Services work better.

http://screencast.com
One thing I’ll do after interviewing http://ooVoo.com
everyone involved is to find an existing
social networking platform that could be an You can blog it or vlog it, it doesn’t
extension of what’s already in place. And matter.
making it happen for little or no cost is http://wordpress.com
always the plan. I might start with http://tumblr.com
emailing a white paper link or Tweet a http://vimeo.com
report from my File Social account:
http://filesocial.com And if you want to really shine try
http://scribd.com conference call recording for others to
listen to at their own convenience.
But, it doesn’t stop there. I might send an http://talkshoe.com
audio file. http://blogtalkradio.com
http://tweetmic.com/
http://utterli.com Yep, you can video record a call as well.
http://ustream.com
Or I might even send a short video link to
introduce my cause. Broadcast your events by email.
http://youtube.com http://yumblr.com
http://viddler.com http://evite.com
If your strength is Power Point send it. Now if you really want to maximize your
http://slideshare.net efforts Tweet it (Join us on Twitter at
http://twitter.com/K12Live) and join or
Conference Call Services work really create a Linkedin group
well. http://linkedin.com (This social platform is
http://freeconferencecall.com great for teacher groups) Some of my
http://thebasementventure.com Linked in groups are Teachers Lounge,
http://skype.com Teachers Networking Group, Technology
Integration in Education, Useful Web Tools Google Dan Hollings (@dholings on

for Parents & Teachers, and Ypulse http://twitter.com/dholings) he’s a great
Networking For Youth Media & Marketing resource for learning about Twitter
Professionals. http://twurl.nl/8ey8rc).
"Your networking
Golden Tissue . . .
relationship Facebook has some cool teacher groups I use all of these services in one way or
actions have as well. A few Facebook groups I’ve another because I like quality FREE Stuff!
joined would be Autism Awareness, Fix By the time this goes to print a few of these
potential to build Special Education and Inclusion, application clients will probably figured out
community Children's Band Books, Talking Special how to monatize or have gone out of
operating Education Law And Advocacy, Special business. Either way there will always be
systems better Education Law, Department of Special free stuff out there to use. Click around on
Education, Technology And Special the links at http://laroncarter.com to see
than Google." Education, Special Ed Teachers Rock, how I’ve used them and email me if you
and one of my personal favorite up and have any questions,
The Guest Teacher coming Facebook group I started K12Live, bemyguestteacher@gmail.com
Twitter’s most exclusive single account
dedicated to K – 12 Educators using Problem Solving Action
Twitter (click Following of friends to find
EDUPPL). What systems are you currently using to
achieve your goals? Take a closer look at
Try these client tools for networking: your newly revised goals and identify
http://plaxo.com areas that fall short of the success you
http://letsfreckle.com deserve. Use the PAR Worksheet and
Poster (cited work below)1 to make
changes in how you will approach creating
actions that support those specific goals.
HOTLINKS
[1]
http://www.scribd.com/doc/23396126/Carter-Huddle-Up-One-Sheet-Revised-2
[2]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/leah8691/2587746349/in/set-72157600150390141
A personal note on your action based goals . . .
Georges Bernanos said it well eh, "A thought which does not result in an action is
nothing much, and an action which does not proceed from a thought is nothing at all."
Isn’t that what the essence of this entire eBook series has been all about? Thinking
through your goals and taking bold action that measure up to successful outcomes.
Go for it. Go for it. Just do it already. I’ve got your back!
To your no limit attitude for success, LaRon
P.S. Never cry alone. The company you keep could make all the difference.
2.7
Realistic Goals Reality Check
“Focus on the goal, not the task. Realistic goals can play on your intelligence. Reality is reality for the person who thinks
See it happening, not how it’s real. You know what I mean? My reality may not be yours and visa versa. So I’m not
to get it done.” really sure just how real I can keep this post, but I’ll give it a shot in under 400 words.
Star Trek Voyager

Correct me if I’m wrong, but usually one of a few things will happen when attempting to
set realistic goals. One possibility is that you stand a real good chance of talking yourself
out of a goal that sounds too big for your God given abilities. “I mean He’s still working
with me, right? So I couldn’t possibly pull that one off,” you might say. Remember the
story of Jesus turning water into wine? Didn’t he tell his mom that it wasn’t his time when
she did the mother thing saying, “My son can do anything, follow his instructions?” You
get the idea.
Order Your Steps
Secondly, we can set goals out of sequence and stumble over our feet trying to get out of
the starting blocks. I call it out of sequence others may call it setting your goals too high.
Accusing someone of setting goals too high doesn’t make since if you’re teaching
students the sky is the limit. Or maybe you’re teaching them to achieve anything they can
Photo Credit by Porcelaingirl° {renovating her life} [1]
who have lost a magic wand? conceive. All of it can be contradictory if the goals don’t produce desired results.
Students watch what you do and they believe what you say.
No Fear
Another reoccurring situation that happens problems. By directing your energy onto
far more often than we admit is the reality the vision of accomplishing your goals you
of other people talking you out of your reduce the stress factor. By reducing
goals. I set a few rules here. Caution your stress you will allow the universe to
those that have not done what you are guide you onto a course that has been
attempting to do. Caution the haters. You properly sequenced for win-win outcomes.
NOW FAITH is the
Golden Tissue . . .
know, those that are afraid too the point of It’s just not realistic to focus on anything
assurance (the sabotaging your success. And if you’ve else.
confirmation, [a]the done your home work assembling your
title deed) of the dream team of mentors networked to Oh well, I tried to keep it under 400 words
things [we] hope guide you up the field you are in there. – Guess I talked myself out of it.
for, being the proof
of things [we] do Here’s the deal. You and I both need a Problem Solving Action
not see and the dose of confidence in being bold when
undertaking projects that have daunting Journal about some of the goals you have
conviction of their
task attached to them. A word of advice is not been able to achieve because you
reality [faith to focus on the goal. Tasks have a yourself or someone else has talked you
perceiving as real tendency to build up into overwhelming out of them? Write about the reality of
fact what is not challenges that can cradle buckets of achieving your goals in a realistic
revealed to the tears. And if you’re not careful innocent sequence verses how realistic your goals
senses]. challenges can turn into unnecessary sound to someone who doesn’t share your
vision for greatness.
Hebrews 11.1 AMP HOTLINKS
[1]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkspleen/464015621
A personal note on your realistic goals . . .
Rarely will a movie based on a great TV show be as good as its series. Then there
are those film writers and directors that defy the odds to produce a film project that
measure’s beyond universal limits.
Such is the case of the Star Trek movie directed by J.J. Abrams. What a surprising
twist into the plot of this epic filmmaking journey. Trekkies never saw it coming.
Neither will your adversaries see your vision until you make their unrealistic
interpretation of your goals real.
Here’s to your paramount movie goal making rave. . . really, LaRon
P.S. Don’t believe the fact of your goals if real fact [truth] is telling you something
different.
2.8
Time Based Goals Lets’ Go!
"It is difficult to say what is Get out there ahead of the pack. Timed based goals are the only way to go when it
impossible, for the dream of comes to being accountable for your classroom success. Time out for making a goal that
yesterday is the hope of today and isn’t measurable. That doesn’t mean you can’t be flexible. Outlining your goals on a
the reality of tomorrow." clearly defined timeline is a major part of assessing your performance even if you have to
Robert H. Goddard adjust the dates or measurements later. I’m just keeping it real with you. You can start
developing your lesson plan strategy or whatever else your shooting for without
disciplined timelines and end up with a lot of unnecessary tears from stress. Failed
attempts to meet rushed deadlines and spinning your wheels trying to create forward
movement aren’t worth it. The students suffer the most and you look silly not operating
on a timeline.
Start the Clock
You’re fooling yourself to have goals like this, “My goal is to replace poor learning
behaviors with rich and exciting strategies for growth and development,” without
identifying when all this is to take place. Try restructuring your goal to, “I will leverage
good classroom behaviors by immediately reviewing the rules and procedures at the
beginning of class. It takes no longer than 60 seconds to manage[1] a negative behavior
Photo Credit by Chris Breeze [2] once your infrastructure has been built. One well-structured minute for rewarding positive
Another Group Shot
behaviors will create a more productive learning environment. Include a point system that
keeps the student fully aware of what’s going on with their progress. It’s all about taking
that one extra minute to make sure your people know what theirs goals are. (Ken
Blanchard - Extra Minute Manager http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT6NLYcf7Ps)
K.I.M (Keep It Moving) Go Get’m
Don’t skip the fundamental steps for goal Scientist and self contained rocket fuel
setting. Design your goals the way an pioneer Robert H. Goddard believed, "It is
architect drafts his building plans. First, he difficult to say what is impossible, for the
has the vision in his head. Next he dream of yesterday is the hope of today
sketches the ideas onto paper. Then he and the reality of tomorrow." Goddard
drafts the blueprints to scale. After that he began drafting rocket designs as an early
may cut out a model. Before any building teen having to abandon some of those
takes place you better believe he will test wild ideas but never loosing movement in
the soil for foundation strength. Your time toward his goal of assisting travel into
timeline like the architect’s is critical to outer space. All of our post secondary
project managing the events needed to training and combined life experiences
complete the goal on time or ahead of have prepared us for more than we
schedule. realize. It’s when life issues throw a
wicked curve ball and we swing away that
Build your plan for building trust and we discover what we’re made of.
credibility with your students and their
families over time. Be specific about it This project has turned out to be far more
though. Set measurable goals that are than I could have expected. After
action based (SCR eBook 7 of 9 or V2.6) hundreds of revisions Stop Crying in the
and realistic (SCR eBook 8 of 9 or V2.7). Restroom [it ain’t that deep]: A Guide to
If you don’t pursue timelines properly you Your Best Year Teaching With SMART
won’t really appreciate the concept nor will K12 Goal Setting Methods has grabbed
you be able to produce consistent win-win my attention at a time that I needed it
results. I once heard someone say, most. During the writing of this book I
“There’s time to get it right the first time, if found myself homeless, bankrupt,
you don’t believe that then you won’t have divorced, and for the first time in my life at
time to do it over.” If you can believe that 47 standing before a judge fighting for my
then you are playing to win. domestic rights. My life has been affected
by its message to inspire you by having to copy of this FREE eBook. Then make
assess my own goals. Thank God for their day by encouraging them to become
having spent intimate time with Him and the leader they were created to be.
the methods outlined on these pages. If There’s going to be more tears over the
you haven’t read the entire eBook, go years, they just don’t have to be
"Being the back and read it. Then click on the HOT connected to classroom management
Golden Tissue . . .
Links in the notes. I used this book to rise issues.

headmaster of up from the bottom, without all the tears, to
your learning let you know you can stop crying in the The entire eBook can be read in about 30
village requires restroom to, it ain’t that deep. minutes. I recommend spending a
faith in a PhD., weekend to review all of the articles, blogs

Problem Solving Action and videos hot linked throughout this
MD. (Physically eBook. However, I must admit going
Demanding, What timelines have you set your goals through the method of writing your goals
Mental Dogma) into? Are they specific? Are they and assembling them in such a way that
measurable? Are they action based and you understand them enough to gain
The Guest Teacher realistic? Are they sequenced properly? support of others will take considerably
Regain control of classroom management, more time in order to complete your
successful goal planning, and your destiny mission. Don’t delay, get started today by
to do great things that will extend far staying focused on the goal not the task,
beyond the neighborhoods of those you and build confidence to teach what others
serve. This can be your best year dare to achieve by taking one successful
teaching. But, if you find yourself crying measurable step at a time. When life try’s
behind the scenes or have ran into to beat you down remember the words of
someone crying in the restroom because my grandmother, “It ain’t that deep, Baby.”
their world is out of control, give them a Carter’s got your back, cousin; it’s time to
make it happen.
HOTLINKS
[1]
http://www.amazon.com/Putting-One-Minute-Manager-
Work/dp/0060881674/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245954827&sr=1-3
[2]
© 2009 LaRonCarter.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/92833011@N00/1160789101/
A personal note on your timed based goals . . .
Life is crazy at times we know that, right? What we don’t know is what will happen
when we dig deep down inside our being and grab hold of the stuff placed inside us to
achieve far more than we think we are capable of.
Bring out your very best each day you set a goal to teach those assigned to your
class. Sure there will be times when you want to kick one or two out into the hallway.
But before you do consider what chaos that kid might be living in and decide what
role you want to play in it. You might find yourself saying, “It ain’t that deep!”
To success beyond your wildest dreams, Carter, LaRon Carter
P.S. If it takes an entire village to raise a child, what neighborhood is it?
Stressed Out
K – 12 Education Series
ASPHALT CHECK
Observations, Tips, and Real Life Applications for Paving Classroom Potholes Quickly
Are You Stressed Out?
A Real Teacher’s
Discussion of Situations In this new series: Stressed Out K – 12 Education, we don’t wait for the “What If We Set
Needing Simple Solutions in Up Teachers for Success Discussion?” [1] I will cover classroom issues surrounding
Sometimes Complex Circumstances special needs, at-risk behaviors, student – teacher and teacher – parent relationships,
and much more as it relates to reducing stress created from broken educational systems,
LaRon Carter, news delivery guy narrow minded thinking of difficult colleagues, and the headaches of someone else’s
@K12Live on Twitter
undisciplined kids.
Respect Gone Wild
One of the things I get asked a lot from new classroom teachers is, “How do I get my
students back on track once I have lost their respect?”[2] The cry is always the same,
“Their behavior is really stressing me out.”[3] Whenever this happened to me I’d get this
panic feeling in my stomach that made me want to take off running down the hallway and
out of the building. There are common reasons why this may have happened to you if
you are new to teaching or if you have been around a few years, but lost your footing.
Capturing kids hearts may be the goal[4].
Regain Traction
Throughout this series I will cover situations and details that help identify both
circumstances and methods to attack the problems. Together we will bring your
classroom management[5] full circle, putting you back in the pilots seat as lead teacher in
charge of your classroom. I intend to help put your feet back on the ground so you can
gain more traction[6] from all that hard work to your adorable students in disguise. And
being put into those lesson plans. You finally, roll with the punches. Yeah, I know
have more control than you realize. students are throwing harder punches at
an earlier age nowadays. You need to
Where Did My Focus Go? change some things if you are ever going
to stop crying in the restroom because
When you first recognize things getting out someone’s kid told you he was going to
of control do what we are taught to do kick your ass after school. Taking
when we discover our clothes are burning. punches better be part of your training if
Stop, drop, and roll. Stop doing whatever you plan on being Queen Bee of the
you are doing, it’s not working anyway. playground. Show up each morning
What’s going on with your physical state? playing to win, your pursuit of classroom
Have you stopped breathing? Take deep happiness depends on it[8]. You just need
breaths when feeling like you’re losing someone to remind you that you call the
control or turning blue. Drop all distracting shots around here.
attention getters and be present.
Sometimes thoughts of life issues bigger
than the classroom rob us of giving our
undivided focus[7]. With a little practice of
the methods covered in this series you will
regain focus on the things most important
HOTLINKS
[1]
http://ascd.typepad.com/blog/2009/01/what-if-we-also-set-teachers-up-for-success.html
[2]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiHuMoIwczw&feature=channel_page
[3]
http://www.teachersnetwork.org/NTNY/nychelp/manage/stress.htm
[4]
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/02/bobbie_fletcher_a_science_teac.html
[5]
http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/archives/classmanagement.shtml
[6]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OEwgxgFNsk
[7]
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/archive/13896/
[8]
http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/10/17/1562590.aspx
© 2009 LaRonCarter.com [9]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zwaluw/427161105/
Stop Crying in the Restroom [it ain’t that deep]: A Guide to Your Best Year Teaching With SMART K12 Goal Setting Methods ! LaRon A. Carter Cleanse
The title, Stop Crying in the Restroom, has been created as a metaphor for allowing
controllable situations like classroom management and student behaviors being the
cause of sequestering emotional well being. By all means find your favorite place to
cry and let the tears flow, even if it’s alone in a restroom. Hopefully friends that have
your back will be close by to pass the tissue. I’d like to be one of them.
SCR Contest Winner and Photo Credit by http://shannonshouseofcatering.com
Stop Crying in the Restroom [it ain’t that deep]: A Guide to Your Best Year Teaching With SMART K12 Goal Setting Methods ! LaRon A. Carter Bio0
About the author
LaRon A. Carter is an education thought leader and

behavioral management strategist graduate from
Eastern Michigan University. The program he
developed helps you to gain understanding of what it
takes to succeed and how to help others uncover the
greatness inside of them. During his twenty year teaching
experience he has empowered individuals and organizations
to become better problem solvers for themselves and visionary
leaders for those they serve.
Carter is a former US Marine and veteran K – 12 special

Carter is a former US Marine and veteran K – 12 special education teacher for emotionally
education teacher for emotionally challenged students. He is
challenged students. He is available for guest teaching seminars, conference workshops, and
available for guest teaching seminars, conference workshops, and
keynote speaking. Currently he’s directing the development of a teen problem solving Internet
keynote speaking. Currently he’s directing the development of a
community, called Street Teacher, in the laboratories of Empowering Basics University.
teen problem solving Internet community, called Street Teacher, in
the laboratories of Empowering Basics University.
laroncarter.com
“When your confidence
has fallen and you can’t get
your students inspired.
Send them to me . . . ”
i help young people and those that serve them discover the genius inside
to change success blocking behaviors with simple problem solving methods
for winning the fight against school drop out and economic decline.
Hire The Guest Teacher so that I can help you help them stay focused.
Stay confident . . .
Take action and win,
LaRon Carter, The Guest Teacher

Author of Stop Crying in the Restroom [it ain’t that deep]:
Photo Credit by Made Whole Media, LLC
A Guide to Your Best Year Teaching With SMART K12 Goal Setting Methods
http://stopcryingintherestroom.com
My Blog “Asphalt Check” NEW! Global Campaign for

http://laroncarter.wordpress.com K12 Teachers Using Twitter
http://K12Live.com
My Center of Information Twitter
http://laroncarter.com http://twitter.com/laroncarter K12Live on Twitter
http://twitter.com/K12Live
Carter is available to Guest Teach Linkedin
bemyguestteacher@gmail.com http://linkedin.com/in/laroncarter K12Live on Facebook
phone: 2 0 6 . 3 5 0 . 2 6 5 0 http://ping.fm/wr9Fy
Facebook
http://facebook.com/laroncarter

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STOP Crying in the Restroom.

HOTLINKed eBook Series

Do your students send you home in tears?

© 2009 LaRonCarter.com * Problem Solving System Poster, http://www.scribd.com/doc/17005271/PAR-Poster

1 Clearly identify a classroom Problem

2 Create a Goal that targets a

Develop an Action plan “Focus on the

STEP 2 The Big Idea Behind Creating Goals

Clearly Defined Goals, 17

STEP 3 Being SMART About Your Goals

Action Based Goals, 36

Time Based Goals, 43

Stressed Out K – 12 Education Series, 47

"A master can tell you what he expects of you.

Call to Action The Question

The Call to Action

Discover your mission, write it down, and walk it out.

What I will attempt to do in this section is light up the idea of

Here’s what you do.

deep,’ baby. You’ll make it.”

leave that call up

The Guest Teacher

Personal note on your call to action . . .

Blessings of Peace, Love, and Happiness, LaRon

P.S. Remember to flush after using the restroom.

Pursuit of a Mission More Questions

Back to the Basics

Regardless of what we set goals for, whether personal or professional, following a

Steps to Achieving Your Goals. These Problem Solving Action

onto the next clearly defined goal.

A personal note on pursuing your mission . . .

Learning to create goals and developing strategies to achieve them guides us

Big Things Await You, LaRon

Clearly Defined Goals Danger Zone, No Goal Ahead

Listen for Clues Get the most out of your students

I was facilitating Profound Impact vs. Stress and Frustration Workshops[6] at a

Problem Solving Action

A personal note on your clearly defined goals . . .

Learn to listen generously whenever having a conversation with your students or

Become Your Biggest Achievements, LaRon

Focused Goals Steep Curves Ahead

Faith, More Than a Word

we seem to be more than willing to assist S – specific

When coached correctly both S.M.A.R.T. Problem Solving Action

A personal note on your focused goals . . .

Be smart and smell the roses along the way, LaRon

"Goals are the guidepost along the road that

Specific Goals Can You Be More Specific?

Interview as a Practiced Conversation

Goals You Make Happen

A personal note on your specific goals . . .

To being specific in your goals and focused on the students, LaRon

Measurable Goals Commit to the Process

else’s goals just to get started. I have to

Direct Message Tweeting is acceptable in

networking connections]. making them measurable. It always helps

it is loaded with valuable links that will help

A personal note on your measurable goals . . .

Paying it forward is the true measure of gratitude, LaRon

Action Based Goals Rubber Meets the Road

Be the Change Agent Video Conferences Services work better.

Integration in Education, Useful Web Tools Google Dan Hollings (@dholings on

A personal note on your action based goals . . .