The 21 schools on the state's "priority" list is an increase from just six schools in 2014. Credit: Courtesy Metro Nashville Public Schools

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Public schools in Nashville are receiving praise due to changes in discipline guidelines that have led to a decrease in suspensions by the thousands. But leaders in education point out that there are still problems — including a disproportionate number of minority students still being sent away from the classroom.



In 2014, more than 11,000 students in Nashville were suspended, compared to 8,400 last year. Research has shown that just one suspension can reduce the likelihood of graduating and can increase the chances of ending up in the criminal justice system.





Speaking to educators at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College Monday, researcher Daniel Losen said it’s important to stop and praise progress, without losing sight of the work that’s still to be done.





He points to the city’s alternative schools — a place students are sent after they’ve already been in trouble — more than half of all African-American students were suspended at least once last year. The same is true for Latino students.





“Really, it’s just shocking,” Losen said. “When we see these high numbers we have to say there is something wrong with this picture. There’s more we can do as educators.”





What they’ve already done is overhaul how the district deals with unruly students. Rather than sending them home, educators first involve parents, peer meetings and even community service to address the problem behavior.





The changes are a result of the PASSAGE initiative introduced in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Nashville three years ago. Locally, the Oasis Center helps implement the new policies.

