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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Teaching Opinion Believe, Sleep, Play: 3 Research-Based Ideas for Effective Teaching
Many studies affirm that students achieve success more easily when they feel their teachers believe in them.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 15, 2024
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14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Differentiated Instruction Isn't Easy. But It's Not Impossible
The teaching method takes time and patience, and it needs to be tailored to fit the needs of each student.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 9, 2024
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13 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Reading & Literacy Opinion Students Need to Make Sense of What They Read. Here Are Ways to Support Them
To promote verbal reasoning, teachers can offer opportunities for students to ponder language, then explain and justify their thinking.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 8, 2024
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6 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Human Experience Should Guide Strategies for Closing Education Equity Gaps
Think artfully, advises a new book on "Brilliant Teachers." This practice lives at the intersection of philosophizing and creativity.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 4, 2024
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8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion The Biggest Mistakes Teachers Have Made and What They've Learned From Them
Searching for learning gaps makes it difficult to set ambitious learning goals and set high expectations for students.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 28, 2023
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14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Larry Ferlazzo's 9 Education Predictions for 2024
Don't bet your lunch money on these outcomes but take a look at what might lie in store for education next year.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 26, 2023
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3 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion The Best and Worst Education News of 2023
In many ways, there are indications this was a good year for education. Mostly.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 21, 2023
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6 min read
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Teaching Opinion The Top 10 Classroom Q&A Posts of 2023
Take a look at the most popular Classroom Q&A posts from Larry Ferlazzo's opinion blog.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 20, 2023
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1 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Recruitment & Retention Opinion What Teachers of Color Say They Need Most
Teachers of color face the same challenges as their white peers, in addition to others.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 15, 2023
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15 min read
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Reading & Literacy Opinion 4 Educators Share Their Favorite Reading Lessons
Key to all these lessons is teachers' effective use of instructional time through student engagement.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 11, 2023
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15 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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School Climate & Safety Opinion Restorative Justice Is Not Just an Alternative to Discipline
But done correctly, the practice can create a culture of connection, belonging, mutual respect, safety, and trust.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 7, 2023
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14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion 4 Small Teaching Moves That Can Pay Big Dividends
Parents want to hear the good news, too. Don't just share the problems.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 4, 2023
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13 min read
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Teaching Opinion Advice From Over 1,100 Experienced Educators at Your Fingertips
A dozen years of posts filled with ideas from more than 1,000 educators have been sorted and linked for easy access.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 1, 2023
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1 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Students Benefit Academically When They Feel Understood
Students can feel reluctant to share their personal experiences because of past experiences. Teachers can help them overcome their anxiety.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 30, 2023
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14 min read
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