Opinion Blog

Classroom Q&A

With Larry Ferlazzo

In this EdWeek blog, an experiment in knowledge-gathering, Ferlazzo will address readers’ questions on classroom management, ELL instruction, lesson planning, and other issues facing teachers. Send your questions to lferlazzo@epe.org. Read more from this blog.

An award-winning English and Social Studies teacher at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, Calif., Larry Ferlazzo is the author of Helping Students Motivate Themselves: Practical Answers To Classroom Challenges, The ESL/ELL Teacher’s Survival Guide, and Building Parent Engagement In Schools.

Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion 'More Inclusive Policies,' What Teachers Say They Want
When restrictions are placed on instruction, students lose out.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 26, 2024
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7 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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English-Language Learners Opinion When Is It OK to Use Google Translate in the English-Learner Classroom?
Students need to be encouraged to believe they're smarter than the translation tool.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 25, 2024
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9 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Best Practice on Making Learning Relevant, From Teachers
Including real-life experiences with instruction creates meaningful student learning and opportunities for their deep engagement.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 20, 2024
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12 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion How to Be a Better Teacher in 6 Words or Less
The best advice about teaching sometimes can be whittled down to a few simple words.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 12, 2024
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2 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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English-Language Learners Opinion Favorite Lessons From Teachers for English-Learner Newcomers
Marry academic content with language development for the best results in teaching English learners who are new to the United States.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 5, 2024
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7 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion What Students Want From Their Teachers, in Their Own Words
Teachers should try to connect with their students so they know the teacher has their back.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 31, 2024
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5 min read
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Policy & Politics Opinion The Policy Concerns That Keep Teachers Up at Night
Efforts are spreading to restrict what topics are allowed to be taught. There are ways teachers can resist the censorship.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 29, 2024
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10 min read
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School Climate & Safety Opinion How Do Restorative Practices Work?
Traditional punitive measures tend to reap more misbehavior.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 22, 2024
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13 min read
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English-Language Learners Opinion When Teaching English Learners, Embrace These 3 Critical Mindsets
English learners will have more success if teachers adjust their thinking. Here's how.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 17, 2024
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4 min read
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Teaching Opinion 5 Simple Teacher Moves With Big-Time Payoffs
Giving students time to reflect on their work is like clicking "save." If teachers don't do it, learning can get lost.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 15, 2024
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11 min read
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Equity & Diversity Opinion Equity? Equality? How Educators Can Tell the Difference
Educators offer advice and examples for giving students what they need, rather than simply treating everyone the same.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 10, 2024
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10 min read
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Teaching Opinion 4 Instructional Strategies Teachers Can Count On
Students can understand more challenging concepts when they have multiple opportunities to see how the content relates to other standards.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 8, 2024
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12 min read
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Classroom Technology Opinion Let's Not Oversimplify Students' Cellphone Use
Vilifying the technology, including social media, is easier than digging into the societal issues that contribute to mental health issues.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 2, 2024
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5 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Reading & Literacy Opinion Readers Can Struggle at Any Age. Here's How Teachers Can Help
Struggling readers may be able to read the words but fail to make the necessary connections between ideas and their meaning.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 29, 2024
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8 min read
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