(AP) — The Obama administration is issuing new recommendations on classroom discipline that seek to end the apparent disparities in how students of different races are disciplined for breaking school rules.

Government civil rights data show that black students without disabilities are more than three times as likely as whites to be expelled or suspended. Critics say that creates a “school-to-prison” pipeline because many students enter the criminal justice system for violations.

The recommendations being released Wednesday encourage schools to ensure that all school personnel are trained in classroom management, conflict resolution and approaches to de-escalating classroom disruptions.

They also suggest that school employees understand they are responsible for administering routine student discipline instead of security or police officers and that clear distinctions be drawn about the responsibilities of school security personnel.