Virginia schools suspended or expelled more than 90,500 students in 2010-11, but such harsh disciplinary measures don't improve student behavior or make schools safer, according to a new report.

The JustChildren advocacy group said in its report Thursday that
most suspensions followed relatively minor misbehavior, such as
disorderly conduct or misuse of electronics -- violations that don't
involve weapons, drugs or injury to others.

The study says suspensions and expulsions disproportionately
affect black students and students with disabilities. It also says
forcing students to miss instruction is counterproductive because
it's linked to lower achievement and higher dropout rates.

Among the report's recommendations are that Virginia require schools to develop less subjective alternatives to removing students, and provide incentives for schools that successfully reduce suspensions and expulsions.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)