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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School & District Management Opinion Teachers and Students Need Support. 5 Ways Administrators Can Help
In the simplest terms, administrators advise, be present by both listening carefully and being accessible electronically and by phone.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 10, 2024
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10 min read
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School & District Management Opinion The Biggest Policy Challenges Schools Are Facing Right Now
State legislatures have the power to manipulate knowledge and rewrite history—but not the necessary educational expertise.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 9, 2024
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9 min read
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Teaching Opinion How to Make Summer School Effective and Engaging
Along with offering meaningful academic lessons, these educators advise incorporating fun so that students want to come to summer school.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 5, 2024
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6 min read
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Teaching Opinion How to End the School Year Strong
Whatever teachers pick to close out the year, they should include opportunities for students to celebrate and reflect on ways they've grown.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 3, 2024
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13 min read
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Teaching Opinion Late Assignments: Tips From Educators on Managing Them
Try setting two deadlines, a preferred due date for the majority and a hard deadline for those facing various challenges.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 2, 2024
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8 min read
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Teaching Opinion Here's What Accelerated Learning Really Looks Like
Accelerated learning lessons should be engaging, not boring, and the content should be challenging, not dumbed down.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 29, 2024
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8 min read
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Teaching Opinion 4 Effective Instructional Strategies That Work for Math, Writing, and More
Preassessments give teachers a better baseline for their students in order to dig deeper into the content.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 28, 2024
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10 min read
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Teaching & Learning Opinion How to Use AI Tools to Support English-Language Learners
There are many free tools available to educators, but a desired output is key to good results.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 22, 2024
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7 min read
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Teaching Opinion An Interview With Educator and Author Jonathan Kozol
In his new book, longtime activist Jonathan Kozol dives further into school inequity and offers solutions.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 20, 2024
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6 min read
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Families & the Community Opinion How Teachers Can Make Stronger Connections With Students' Caregivers
A new book explores what true collaboration between educators and student families looks like.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 14, 2024
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6 min read
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School & District Management Opinion The Single Most Effective Thing Administrators Can Do: Shut Up and Listen
By listening deeply, administrators can create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and can challenge assumptions.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 7, 2024
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11 min read
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Teaching Opinion What Teachers Can Learn From Students
Group work can help students make friends and provide a foundation for building future collaborations and relationships.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 5, 2024
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9 min read
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Teaching Opinion Try These Simple Shifts in Teaching for a Big Payoff
A complimentary call at week's end to a student's family strengthens relationships and reminds teachers of the good in every week.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 1, 2024
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11 min read
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Classroom Technology Opinion Ed Tech Can Be an Invaluable Tool for Teachers. Here’s How to Use It Best
Ed-tech tools can enhance student learning. But teachers need to ensure they can prove meaningful and promote fact-based knowledge.
Larry Ferlazzo, February 29, 2024
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10 min read
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