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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Equity & Diversity Opinion There's a Difference Between Equity and Equality. Schools Need to Understand That
Equity looks different depending on the situation, and it's not always straightforward. That can cause confusion.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 24, 2023
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15 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion What Students Say They Like About Their Teachers
Supporting students in a way that works best for how they learn is more art than science; being understanding is a good place to start.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 22, 2023
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8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion What Does Successful Differentiated Instruction Look Like in the Classroom?
Many teachers struggle to adapt lessons, believing they lack resources, planning time, and classroom-management support. They don't need to.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 16, 2023
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16 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Profession Opinion Teachers of Color Face Unique Challenges. Here Are Some of Them
Teaching is hard enough, but educators of color face additional—often invisible—tasks.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 14, 2023
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16 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Student Debates Might Not Be Such a Great Lesson Idea. Here's Why
How we frame complex and pressing issues in classroom discussions are key to teaching students how to talk about them.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 13, 2023
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8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion How to Support Students Afflicted by Trauma
A major goal of trauma-informed practice is to limit the negative impact on student learning and well-being.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 9, 2023
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7 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion What Should Anti-Bias Literacy Instruction Look Like in the Classroom?
A new book offers practical strategies for teachers and a way for them to understand how bias might affect their instruction.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 8, 2023
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8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion How Do Restorative Practices Work? Educators Share Implementation Tips
Restorative practices are not just an alternative means to meting out discipline. They're also about building community.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 2, 2023
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13 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Profession Opinion Teachers Offer Self-Care Tips in Just a Few Words
Teachers offer self-care advice for those tough school days when feeling positive can be a challenge.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 31, 2023
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2 min read
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Teaching Opinion 18 Games to Play in the Classroom for Learning and Fun
How to sort through the many games that are available for the classroom? Teachers share their favorites.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 29, 2023
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2 min read
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Teaching Opinion Quick, Regular Check-Ins Promote Student Learning
Once teachers establish one-on-one meetings as a classroom routine, students realize they just need to do the work before the get-together.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 26, 2023
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14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Profession Opinion How Teachers Get Beyond Tough Days in the Classroom
In a single sentence, teachers philosophize—wisely, funnily—about hanging in there for the job, even after the worst of days.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 22, 2023
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2 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Sticky Notes and Student Choice Can Go a Long Way Toward Boosting Engagement
Teachers don't have to revolutionize how they teach to improve their practice. Making small changes matters.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 19, 2023
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11 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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English-Language Learners Opinion The Best Ways to Make Content More Accessible to English-Learners
There are plenty of strategies for helping ELLs access content. Here are ones that are simple and easy to follow.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 16, 2023
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7 min read
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