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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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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Mathematics Opinion Math Might Be a Universal Language. But Don't Teach It That Way
Encouraging students to use their first language helps them make math connections, increasing their understanding and engagement.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 8, 2023
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13 min read
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School Climate & Safety Opinion How to Reduce Gun Violence? Teachers Share Their Ideas
Schools alone can't banish gun violence, but they can invest in ways to strengthen the community and resist discrimination, which can help.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 6, 2023
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15 min read
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Mathematics Opinion Math Is Also a Foreign Language to English-Learners. How to Reach Them
As tough as math mastery can be for any student, learning it along with English calls for additional strategies. Try these nine.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 31, 2023
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13 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Want to Engage Students? Model Real-World Experiences
Students like a challenge. Give them an opportunity to imagine how they would solve a problem.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 29, 2023
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14 min read
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Teaching Opinion Teachers, Don't Take Your Work Home and Other Reminders
Some teaching strategies are tried-and-true, but fresh ideas may add more zest to your classroom and your regimen.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 25, 2023
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2 min read
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Teaching Opinion What's Been Your Best Classroom Experience? Students Answer
Quiz preps, art exhibits, potlucks, making connections—the unexpected ways students say they enjoy learning.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 22, 2023
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8 min read
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Reading & Literacy Opinion The Essentials of Reading: What Teachers Must Know
Reading is complex. Here’s guidance from teachers for teachers to help get the focus right.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 18, 2023
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1 min read
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Social Studies Opinion Social Studies Teachers May Have Some Difficult Choices to Make. These Ideas Could Help
Here's one way to turn the fire hose of news into meaningful classroom discussions of current events.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 17, 2023
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10 min read
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Reading & Literacy Opinion Many Older Students Are Struggling to Read. How Can Teachers Help?
Educators offer targeted instructional steps to support middle and high schoolers in their journey to understand the written word.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 14, 2023
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8 min read
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Social Studies Opinion Don't Suffocate Students With Memorization. Get Them Talking
When it comes to social studies instruction, teaching students how to develop ideas by talking about them is critical.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 11, 2023
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14 min read
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Artificial Intelligence Opinion Confused About Which AI Tools to Use? These Teachers Have Advice
ChatGPT has created a lot of buzz, but it's not the only bot with potential for a huge classroom impact.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 8, 2023
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7 min read
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Education Funding Opinion Foundations Have Given Money to Schools for a Long Time. What's Actually Working?
Investments in one key area seem to be making a difference when it comes to improving schools.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 4, 2023
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14 min read
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Teaching Opinion Want to Start the Year off Right? Teachers Share Their Best Tips
A contract, a biographical poem, identity portraits—some of the many ways educators are engaging their students from Day 1.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 2, 2023
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12 min read
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