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."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion 'Equality' and 'Equity' Are Different. But in Thriving Schools, They Coexist
Equity benefits the entire school community, even if it's met with resistance by some.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 11, 2024
10 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion 14 Things Schools Should Stop Doing Now
Instead of cramming more and more into schooling, consider how the paradox of "less is more" could benefit students and teachers.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 9, 2024
11 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion 5 Things Teachers Need to Know, According to Larry Ferlazzo
In the lengthy search to improve education, isn't it time for policymakers to pay attention to what teachers have to say?
Larry Ferlazzo, September 5, 2024
4 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion Project-Based Learning Helps Connect Lessons to Students' Lives
If students aren't interested in a topic vital to their education, present them with chances to discuss, understand, and dissect "the WHY."
Larry Ferlazzo, September 3, 2024
11 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Equity & Diversity Opinion 13 Ways Educators Get Culturally Responsive Teaching Wrong
Some teachers believe adding a few culturally relevant texts or activities to the existing curricula is sufficient. It's not.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 28, 2024
13 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion Student Identity Is Complex. Here's How to Honor It
There are practices to help students, their families, and teachers develop a regard for themselves, each other, and the human experience.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 26, 2024
10 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Equity & Diversity Opinion Equity and Equality Aren't the Same Thing. What Does That Look Like in Education?
Every learner is different, so it's not going to be beneficial to give every student the same support.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 21, 2024
10 min read
0724 opinion summer posts math bander fs
F. Sheehan/Education Week + iStock + TarikVision
Mathematics Opinion How Teachers Can Improve Their Math Instruction
Educators know there’s always more to learn, for themselves and their students. These posts share ways to build on their teaching savvy.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 9, 2024
1 min read
0724 opinion summer posts advice bander fs
F. Sheehan/Education Week + iStock + TarikVision
Teaching Opinion Teaching Advice From Students and Educators
Everyone is an expert when it comes to education since they've all been through it. Here's advice from those sitting in classrooms now.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 7, 2024
1 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion Don't Ignore Polarization in Classroom Election Discussions
Down-ballot races, not just the presidential one, offer robust learning opportunities from math to maps.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 2, 2024
7 min read
0724 opinion summer posts tech bander fs
F. Sheehan/Education Week + iStock + TarikVision
Classroom Technology Opinion What Teachers Need to Know About Classroom Technology
Cellphones and AI can be a blessing for teachers or a burr in their sides. Here's guidance on making the most of today's tools.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 29, 2024
1 min read
A view of the White House is seen in Washington, Sunday, July 21, 2024.
A view of the White House on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
Susan Walsh/AP
Teaching Opinion Strategies for Teaching the 2024 Election (Hold on to Your Hat)
Even before entering into the content, craft agreements with students on the boundaries of what's up—and what's not up—for debate.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 22, 2024
9 min read
0724 opinion summer posts reading bander fs
F. Sheehan/Education Week + iStock + TarikVision
Reading & Literacy Opinion Teacher Tips for Better Reading Instruction
Amid the reading wars, educators, researchers, and policymakers have been at odds over how to teach reading. Here is some tempered advice.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 19, 2024
1 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion Teachers Swear by These Instructional Approaches for Engaging Students
It's true that some strategies can take more time. But often, teachers have to slow down to move students forward.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 17, 2024
12 min read