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Minneapolis suspensions and the achievement gap

Minneapolis schools superintendent Johnson
Minneapolis Schools' superintendent Bernadeia Johnson took part in the swearing in of new school board members in Minneapolis, Minn. Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2010
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson

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The Minneapolis Public Schools last week announced a moratorium on suspending very young students for non-violent behavior. Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson notified staff of the immediate change, which affects pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first-grade students.

Minneapolis is one of a growing number of districts across the country taking a look at suspension policies.

The Minneapolis district has faced criticism over achievement gaps between white and black students - and there's also a big gap in who gets punished in Minneapolis schools. One in five African-American boys is suspended on average each year versus one in 29 white boys.

On The Daily Circuit, we discuss suspension policies, the challenges of managing behavioral issues in the classroom and the disproportionate number of children of color who are suspended.