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 12 Strategies for Encouraging Students to Want to Revise Their Writing
Four educators share suggestions for creating the classroom conditions in which students want to make revisions to their writing.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 21, 2020
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13 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Mathematics Opinion Teach Math in Ways That Are 'Proactive' & Not 'Reactive'
Eleven educators share their ideas on how to promote culturally responsive teaching in mathematics.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 18, 2020
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23 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Mathematics Opinion Twelve Ways to Make Math More Culturally Responsive
Four educators share ideas for using culturally responsive teaching in math class, including by helping students make community connections.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 17, 2020
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13 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Equity & Diversity Opinion Eight Strategies for Engaging in Culturally Relevant Teaching
Mariana Souto-Manning answers questions about her book, "No More Culturally Irrelevant Teaching," in the final post of a two-part series.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 15, 2020
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9 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Equity & Diversity Opinion Author Interview: 'No More Culturally Irrelevant Teaching'
Mariana Souto-Manning discusses her book, which highlights designing spaces where BIPOC students feel, see, and experience belonging.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 14, 2020
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10 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Profession Opinion Teachers Share What They Want Central Offices & Public Officials to Hear
Those making policy decisions often don't ask educators what they need. Teachers suggest ways they can be helpful to people in the trenches.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 29, 2020
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11 min read
Student attending class from a remote location.
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Classroom Technology Opinion 'My Online Learning Experience as a Student This Fall Has Been Great'
Three students share a relatively positive picture of their full-time virtual learning experiences this year.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 24, 2020
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4 min read
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Teaching & Learning Opinion 'Standing Up for What Is Right': Teaching in the Aftermath of the Presidential Election
Four teachers explain how they are handling this year's presidential election in their classrooms.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 22, 2020
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16 min read
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Social Studies Opinion Post-Election Teaching Strategies
Four teachers share suggestions for post-election lessons, including focusing on local issues and practicing media literacy.

Larry Ferlazzo, November 19, 2020
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15 min read
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Classroom Technology Opinion 'Online Learning as a Student Has Been ... Hell on Earth'
Four students write about their online learning experiences, and it's not a pretty picture....
Larry Ferlazzo, November 19, 2020
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8 min read
Teaching Opinion Distance Learning 'Has Been OK, I Guess': Students Share About This Year's Experiences
Four high school students write about their distance learning experiences this year, sharing mixed feelings, including liking not having to wake up early but also suffering from eye strain.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 17, 2020
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8 min read
Teaching Opinion Give Students Choice When It's Time to Read
Three educator contributors, and several readers, share strategies for encouraging students to read, including offering choice and time in class.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 17, 2020
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12 min read
Teaching Opinion Encourage Students 'to See Reading as a Relational Experience'
Three educators offer classroom ideas for encouraging student intrinsic motivation to read, including through book choice and opportunities for discussion with their peers.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 16, 2020
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10 min read
Teaching Opinion 22 Strategies for Encouraging Students' Intrinsic Motivation to Read
Four educators share strategies for encouraging students to WANT to read, including by illustrating that it makes them smarter and that it makes them better writers.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 13, 2020
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11 min read
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