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.

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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
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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
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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
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English 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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Teaching Opinion Small Adjustments to Teaching Can Make a Big Difference in the Classroom
Teachers don't always need to make major changes to see improvements in the classroom. Sometimes, minor shifts will do.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 10, 2023
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14 min read
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Teaching Opinion Teachers Can Support Struggling Readers in Middle and High School. Here's How
Older students' literacy challenges can be overlooked. But there are instructional practices that will foster reading growth.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 6, 2023
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8 min read
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Professional Development Opinion What Do Educators Want From Professional Development?
Traditional PD often overlooks the authenticity and relevancy that teachers need for ongoing professional growth.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 4, 2023
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7 min read
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Reading & Literacy Opinion Reading Research Is Getting Lost in Translation. What You Need to Know
There's a yawning gap between what experts know will work and how that's implemented in the classroom.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 1, 2023
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8 min read
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Teaching Opinion Making Culturally Responsive Teaching Work: Zaretta Hammond Corrects 3 Big Misconceptions
The author and coach explains how to avoid several common mistakes in culturally responsive teaching.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 26, 2023
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10 min read
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Special Education Opinion 'I Dread Being at This Table.' How to Improve the IEP Process
IEP meetings take an emotional toll on families. But they can be turned into a forum where hope for the possibilities of schooling prevail.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 21, 2023
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8 min read
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Reading & Literacy Opinion Tired of the Reading Wars? Become a Conscientious Objector
Teachers' obligation is to their students. The research combined with the knowledge of individual students should be the guide.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 19, 2023
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14 min read
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Mathematics Opinion 11 Ways to Make Math Instruction More Accessible to English-Learners
Breaking down math steps into clear language is one way teachers can help English-learners grasp both the content and academic language.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 15, 2023
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12 min read
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Reading & Literacy Opinion Teachers, You Don't Need to Choose Sides in the Reading Wars
Instead of arguing over who's right, let's focus attention on expanding knowledge about unresolved instructional issues.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 12, 2023
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12 min read
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