Get Schooled

By Jeff

April 4, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Simple answer:

I trust the doc with my kids’ medical needs, shouldn’t I trust the teacher with my kids’ educational needs?

In other words: The final decision (and authority) should be with the school. Parents are nowhere NEAR objective enough to make rational decisions in all cases. (Nor should they be.)

By catlady

April 4, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

My experience is it is best to separate them, but I am sure there could be an instance where they should be together (cannot think of what that could be). The broader question: should the state make these rules without a compelling reason: the answer is NO. Like a lot of things, the legislature is the LAST one to be deciding policies such as this one. Talk about blind micromanagement!

By Janine

April 4, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

The state/gov’t interferes again! Politicians have no business injecting themselves into this issue. Each case is different,just as each child is different. The buck stops with the parent, even if they make the wrong decision, it’s theirs to make. Personally, I would listen carefully to the advice of educators AFTER they have been with my children…but the government should stay out of it.

By HB

April 4, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

This piece of legislation is lousy. Apparently, a significant number of parents of multiples have run up against inflexible administrators who insist on separating twins in all situations. On another forum here, one person cited a situation where parents had to choose which twin would take an AP class that had only one section because the administration would not under any circumstances allow the kids to be in the same class — ridiculous!

So I can understand why parents feel they should have the right to overrule such inflexible principals (let’s hope one this bad is rare). Lots of parents of younger multiples said their children’s schools would not even discuss the matter with them — separation was a hard and fast rule. They are advocating for parental choice to keep kids together or separate them based on their own needs.

The problem: this bill does not provide parental choice. It is worded so that parents can choose to keep kids together. Parents cannot demand that kids be separated. I predict this law will result in equally inflexible policies in schools forcing multiples into the same classes when parents would prefer them to be separated.

Catlady pretty much summed up my feelings. I think this probably is a legitimate problem and should be addressed — but not by the state legislature. Local school boards should handle it.

By HB

April 4, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

This piece of legislation is lousy. Apparently, a significant number of parents of multiples have run up against inflexible administrators who insist on separating twins in all situations. On another forum here, one person cited a situation where parents had to choose which twin would take an AP class that had only one section because the administration would not under any circumstances allow the kids to be in the same class — ridiculous!

So I can understand why parents feel they should have the right to overrule such inflexible principals (let’s hope one this bad is rare). Lots of parents of younger multiples said their children’s schools would not even discuss the matter with them — separation was a hard and fast rule. They are advocating for parental choice to keep kids together or separate them based on their own needs.

The problem: this bill does not provide parental choice. It is worded so that parents can choose to keep kids together. Parents cannot demand that kids be separated. I predict this law will result in equally inflexible policies in schools forcing multiples into the same classes when parents would prefer them to be separated.

Catlady pretty much summed up my feelings. I think this probably is a legitimate problem and should be addressed — but not by the state legislature. Local school boards should handle it.

By Kage

April 4, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

As with everything in education (and life), there is no one best way to do something.

I’ve had a set of twins in my class before. The parent had asked special permission because she had a chronic illness. It was just easier on her if she only had one spelling list to keep up with, one set of homework, the kids were studying the same thing at the same time, and so on. We didn’t last too long with this arrangement because the girls kept bringing fights from home into the classroom - She’s wearing my sweater type of things. Yeesh - it’s bad enough when kids bring neighborhood arguments into the classroom.

I no longer have a homeroom and have a set of twins in one of my gifted resource classes. In fact, while they are both gifted, one is also special ed. The example is not so extreme. Having these twins in my class has been fine b/c the parents responded immediately when I called about some sibling rivalry emerging. I’ve only had to make that call once.

I hate the idea of this kind of micromanagement legislation - but if principals are denying AP classes or gifted placements or special ed placements just to avoid having twins placed in the same classroom, then they’re also too worried about micromanaging and not worried enough about educating.

By Been there!

April 4, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Parents should always have the option to chose. My cousin has twins and have found separate classes have calmed his kids down, though one is learning much faster than the other.

I’m not a twin, but my sisters and I are right behind each other in age. We found totally different high schools worked for us. There we were able to “flourish” in our own enviornment. Thank goodness my parents had options and alternatives then sticking all of us in the same school.

By Janine

April 4, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

ReKage:”I hate the idea of this kind of micromanagement legislation - but if principals are denying AP classes or gifted placements or special ed placements…” I think most of the laws that we feel limit our personal freedoms were brought about by some abuse as this one mentioned by Kage.

By GeezGuys

April 4, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

It also raises the question of what kind of system—-legislative, school, and otherwise—- need and produce this kind of legislation. There are lots of other problems parents have in dealing with administrators. In some cases the parent may be right. In others it may be best for the adminstrators to decide. But a whole badly written law for just this one problem? Sheesh.

I was not impressed by Chip Roger’s explanation here

By luvs2teach

April 4, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

I have a set of twins in my class together - due to a unique set of issues concerning their schedules - they drive me up the wall! They bring their “sibling stuff” into the classroom. I’m not the only teacher who has them together, and it’s a problem in other classes as well - it even annoys their peers.

Since I have been teaching I have often had siblings on my team together - actually almost every year - we try not to place them in the same class though. Sometimes they’re twins or “Irish twins”; sometimes one has been retained; and sometimes they are step- or half- siblings. Sometimes, we don’t know they are siblings because they have different last names. This year we had a mom very upset that her two were put on the same team and with the same schedule - we didn’t know because their last names were different.

By Elizabeth

April 4, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Parents are not always the best judge of what’s best for the classroom. They may THINK they know, but since most parents aren’t teachers, the knowledge gap could be wide. It seems this is just another way to kow-tow to needy, whiny parents. All they really want to do is run the school!

By Mom to 4 year old twins

April 4, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

To someone unaffected by this legislation, I can certainly understand why it would seem trivial and meaningless. To the parents of the 136,328 multiples born each year in this country, it is very important.

While it seems this bill is taking away local control from the school boards across the state, it is actually empowering control at the most local level, that of parental control. Currently there are many counties and individual schools throughout the state that have an arbitrary unwritten policy to automatically separate multiples “to allow them to develop their own identities.”

These schools prejudicially treat each set of multiples as a unit rather than as individuals. These antiquated policies do not take into account research by renowned twin researcher Nancy Segal at Cal State University that proves twins will develop their own identity regardless of whether or not the children are in the same classroom.

Other studies, including the Tully Report published in Twin Research (Volume 7, Number 2, April 2004) have found that twins who are separated have significantly more social and academic problems, including lower reading skills.

Why would a teacher or any academic administrator want to arbitrarily separate multiples based on myths and misconceptions rather than proven research that shows separation could actually decrease academic performance? Unfortunately, for many multiples, this is happening regardless of what is in their best interest. SB 123 seeks to correct this problem in our state.

Additionally, the bill does so without adding a penny to the budget at any level, local school, school boards or statewide. The seats in the classrooms have to be provided regardless of whether the children are in the same classroom or not.

By HB

April 4, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

“…it is actually empowering control at the most local level, that of parental control.”

No, it’s not. It’s empowering parents who want their twins kept together. It is not empowering those parents who would choose to put them in separate classrooms. I’m not sure any statewide law should be put in place, but if there is going to be one, it should not be biased toward one choice. Perhaps a law that schools cannot set a blanket policy, but must look at each case individually with input from parents and teachers before deciding on classroom placement would be appropriate.

I think parents’ input is important, but there should be school input too. Take the example provided by luvs2teach. If scheduling were not an issue (as she stated it is in this case), I think the school should have the right to separate these twins regardless of what their parents think it’s best because it’s not only their children’s education at stake. If some twins are disruptive when kept together, the school needs to be able to separate them on order to protect the interests of other students.

By 30YearsIn

April 4, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Another case of politician interference. This matter should be handled locally by the school boards.

By ElemTeacher

April 4, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

the number one reason why parents want multiples together is because it makes their lives easier having to only deal with one teacher, classroom and weekly spelling test. There is a set of twins together at my school this year. They do not play with anyone else on the playground, insist on sitting near each other at all times and even still use their “twinspeak”. It is beyond weird and keeping them together is the worst thing their parents could have done. The really creepy part is that the mother thinks that their “togetherness” is absolutely adorable. These two boys have NO friends beyond each other. I worry about them.

By Tony

April 4, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

As a school principal I know it is imperative to work together with parents and teachers to place children in classes that are most appropriate. Sometimes twins/multiples do fine together and somtimes they don’t. Principals who have inflexible practices such as described in this blog should be called to task by their supervisors! However, placement of children in classes is ultimately the principal’s job and noone else’s.

By Stacey

April 4, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

I think this should be handled on the local level but allow for the use of “common sense” judgement calls. It is ridiculous that only one child can participate in an AP class because of a no twins rule.

I remember a mother raising !@#$ at a PTO meeting at my son’s preschool because her “Irish Twins” were separated. The reason for the separation was that although the were terrible apart, they were completely unmanagable together!

By Mom to 2 sets of Twins

April 4, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

I would hope that all on this blog will re-read the message that Tony gave based on his experience as a School Principal. I wish my children were in your school district if you have posted your position and school districts position honesty. TONY YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD and this is why parents of multiples are actively seeking this legislation as most to all counties here in the state of GA practice mandatory separation. Again, this is not only a GA problem but a NATIONAL problem.

This legislation will give all parents of multiples(keeping together or separating) a chance to be heard by our educators prior to placement as we curretly do not. My 1st set of natural twins are a product of a school system on the East Coast of GA that did not even acknowlege my written letter that I hand wrote while standing at the board of education while enrolling them and handed to the secretary to be passed along for consideration. I did not receive any acknowledgement prior to kindergarten placement in 2003 which was a policy of mandatory separation with no recourse that I found out that day, their first day of kindergarten. My second set of natural twins were just enrolled last Thursday for the 4 yr old pre-school program and I have again written a letter that is in their registration packet and I also hand delivered the same letter to the preschool they will attend. So will have to wait and see how it goes. School for the next term will begin on July 30th!

No two sets of Twins, Triplets or Higher Order Multiples are the same. And must be treated CASE BY CASE. Some will need to be placed together, others will need to be separated for the KIDS emotional, physical and educational benefit. This legislation is not beeing sought for the parents benefit, it is for THE KIDS BENEFIT as 4,5,6 and 7 yr olds are not able to speak definitively as to what is upsetting them, or why they are failing in school due to being separated or kept together.

To answer to the issue of kids that are kept together and fight between themselves or disrupt others in class. Both of my twin sets beginning in pre-school and being in the same class do play with other children. Their teachers can tell them apart by their personality before they could physically. Their teachers see them daily and would inform me per my asking and being active in their education that they have seen them at opposite ends of the classroom playing with other children but will glance over their shoulder to see where their multiple is. Once they have reasurred their needs either from fear, or curiosity, they continue on with what they were doing and without saying a word or needing to be with their multiple. Again, no two pairs of multiple birth children are alike. If the parents are informed and responsible and the educators are flexible and keep the parents informed, all will work for the benefit of the KIDS.

This subject again is a NATIONAL PROBLEM and if you read Mr. Duffy’s article today, we are not the only state to seek this legislation. Minnesota back in 2005 passed legislation and GA’s is similar to MN. Other states: NY, NH, and TX to name a few are also seeking similar legislation.

By luvs2teach

April 4, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Upon rereading the story, initial post and, comments this seems like much ado about nothing - about parents and teacher/administrators beating their chests to assert their authority in their own little realm.

Whatever happened to common sense and looking at each situation individually?

Maybe I’m reading the article incorrectly, but now Roger’s bill would automatically place them together unless otherwise requested to be separated, right? That doesn’t seem like a good plan.

A blanket “no multiples in the same class” rule is silly, too - particularly if it means that twins can’t each take a class like the AP class mentioned (that’s absurd).

But on the flip side, if the multiples are absolutely disrupting a class, or being together is hampering their educational development, well, then, by all means separate them! The other parents have a right to not have their children’s education disrupted as well.

BTW - I teach 8th grade, not kindergarten - I can see how being together might be important in the beginning. My twin students are fraternal, not identical - and one was diagnosed with ADHD. I spoke with their parents, and sent them to the counselor, and things really calmed down. Weird part - the students were surprised - they didn’t see what they did as a problem.

By thomas

April 4, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Oh my goodness,

Here we go again!!! More bigheaded, self-centered people who think they should have their way.

First of all, siblings should be separated. There is no legitimate reason why siblings NEED to be in the same classroom. In fact, they do better separated.

When I heard Kage’s post, I almost SCREAMED!!! I had the exact same experience!!!!!!! Last year I had a girl in my class whose brother was placed in another class. This lady b_tched and moaned because she couldn’t get both of her kids in the same class. Later it was found out that she held back one of her kids so that later they would be in the same grade at the same time. The reason for her foolish insistence that her two children be in the same elementary classroom- SO IT WOULD BE EASIER FOR HER TO KEEP UP WITH THE HOMEWORK AND ASSIGNMENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Suffices to say, neither this woman, nor her children were very bright. In fact, they were quite dimwitted. Same as the rest of these people talking about twins should be in the same classroom. Won’t these children have to learn to live and function independently? What about other children who don’t have twins? How do they function so successfully in a regular classroom?

Is the issue really about siblings in a classroom or just another power struggle by arrogant, spoiled a__ adults, who think they are special and deserved special treatment. I think it’s the latter.

These politicans are SICKENING. NEVVVVVEEEERRR do they take up real issues that matter to the people. It’s always silly foolishness designed to harvest some good PR.

By Ernest

April 5, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

I have an issue with the wording of the legislation at the current time. IMO, there needs to be ‘more’ that simply the parents requesting placement. I do believe consideration should be given to the parent’s request however saying the ‘must’ be accommodated is a concern.

FWIW, we have twins currently in ES. We appreciated the recommendation they be separated going back to PreK. Deep down we know that one of them has a ‘dominant’ personality and would probably cause problems if they were together in class. On the flip side, we’ve been able to compare teacher teaching styles, which has been interesting over the years.

By I Read The Research...Did You?

April 5, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

I read about this “tully report” and wondered what it said, so I looked it up. It was a research study specifically concerned with the classroom placement of twins, and it studied the effects of “forced separation” on these twin children. In fact, it’s actually titled, “What Effect Does Classroom Separation Have on Twins’ Behavior, Progress at School, and Reading Abilities?” It was published in 2004 and included a statistically significant sample of more than 1,100 sets of twins. Objectively, it stands to reason that the findings of such a study would be beneficial in shaping Georgia policy on the classroom placement of twins, if these findings didn’t outright determine the state’s policy.

It also stands to reason that no policy should be tolerated in ANY Georgia Public School if that policy has been shown to lead to harm to ANY of the children directly affected by said policy. Fair enough? Then this brings us to the opening sentences of the tully report:

“We examined three groups of twins: pairs who were in the same class at both ages (5 and 7); pairs who were in separate classes at both ages; and pairs who were in the same class at age 5, but separated by age 7. When compared to those not separated, those separated early had significantly more teacher-rated internalizing problems and those separated later showed more internalizing problems and lower reading scores. Monozygotic twins showed more problems as a result of separation than dyzygotic twins.”

Now it seems to me that any concerned parent of twins who reads the summary of these findings (or the entire report) and requests that their local school keep their 5-year olds in the same classroom to start kindergarten would not be asking too much…After all, Georgia taxpayers fund the Georgia Public School System, and that system should be responsive to the requests of parents and the needs of their children, especially when parents of twins are attempting to prevent potential harm from befalling their children if they were forcibly separated by school officials just because “that’s the way it’s done here…If you don’t like it, then leave.”

Based on what I read in Kevin Duffy’s piece, several things stand out:

1) Principal Ruth Summerlin’s school has a policy that classroom placement of all twins is determined by Pre-K teachers and speech therapists (or so she says). Out of “at least 17 sets of twins” at her school, all except one were separated, and apparently the one was only the result of someone fighting the system. What strikes me as “odd” is why does Bascomb even need to interview any Pre-K or speech teachers in the first place? The principal is directly quoted saying: “It is extremely detrimental to keep them together.” Obviously this principal’s statement (and school policy) directly contradicts the findings of an extensive research study conducted on the subject. This school’s policy also puts “some” of these separated twins in a position of potential harm, based on the findings of the study. Now, you can be a complete moron or you can be from another planet…But certainly you have to conclude (as I did) that something indeed is very WRONG with this picture.

2) I’ve read where some say to just take it another level higher than the principal instead of creating a Georgia law. That sounds reasonable on the surface, until you read the direct quote given by this Cherokee County School Superintendent:

“Giving parents the decision-making power “insults, in my view, teachers and other educators who are going to know what the optimal conditions are for teaching and learning,” said Cherokee County School Superintendent Frank Petruzielo. “If they want to do that, they ought to home school them or put them in a private school.”

Are you kidding? A concerned parent wants their twins to start K in the same classroom (regardless of whether or not you agree with the reasons or even know what they are) and this County Superintendent basically says, “We don’t want them in the public school system. Just home school them or put them in a private school.” HELLO? Is this like the 1800’s or something? What kind of an idiot of a “superintendent” 1) gets into a pssing contest with a local parent over something a simple as allowing his twins to be in the same classroom, and then 2) can’t professionally express the public school system’s official position on the subject better than something that sounds more like “It’s MY WAY or the HIGHWAY!”??? OMG, is this what has become of the Georgia Public School System? “If you don’t like the way we do things, just take your kids somewhere else!”??? How can ANY parent with a child in that county’s school system feel comfortable with some Hothead like that running the show?

3) Another parent in another part of the state simply had her request IGNORED by her local school. I’m not sure which is worse…The County School Superintendent getting into a pssing contest with a local parent or the school system just ignoring the parent’s request altogether!?!?

In my experience, when a “system” is allowed to run amuck like this (and children are actually put in harm’s way because of it), then the only remedy that restores order is drastic action. In this case, a state law that genuinely gives some parents of twins “recourse” where they are *currently at the mercy of school officials that are freely practicing policies that have been shown to damage some of the twins studied in research (but they won’t admit they are doing anything wrong and they won’t allow the parents any input on the fate that awaits their twins in their Kindergarten) sounds like a pretty good idea to me to fix the situation…

Which one of your twins would you want to be damaged (statistically speaking) if they were forcibly separated beyond your control?

I never understood this issue completely before reading Kevin Duffy’s article…But now a state law giving parents of twins the right to choose what they believe to be in the best interest of their children makes perfect sense. It’s clear to me that the school officials quoted in this article are certainly not practicing policies that are in concert with the research findings of the tully report. It also means that school officials who knowingly are practicing this forced separation after being exposed to the tully report findings (assuming they have) are not only putting some twin children in jeopardy, but they could be held civilly and criminally liable in a court of law.

If some parents want to keep their twins together in school, then why not? At least that’s what the research findings support. Doing anything DIFFERENT may subject some of these children to harm. And since the Georgia Public School System is allowing certain principals/superintendents to freely practice a policy that even produces ANY measurable harm at all to some children, then I now see why parents asked legislators to get involved. And any legislation that has PASSED one chamber by this point is clearly NOT a “waste of time” or “trivial issue”…Get it?

Sorry…Pressed for time, gotta go!

By Tracey

April 5, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

I would hope that you would not allow a medical doctor to force you to receive any treatment without your consent or without getting another professional opinion. That is really all this bill is about. Instead of principals being able to make a decision for all multiples, this bill would allow the parents to be a part of the decision for THEIR multiples. That’s all we want is to be a part of the decision.

By multiplemultiples

April 5, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

You are fooling yourself if you believe that all sets of twins have completely separate needs. Studies have proven that twin sets, forced to separate have more issues during their school career than the ones who were allowed to stay together. Obviously the parents know the twins better than any educator could possibly pretend to and should be allowed the chance to speak on behalf of their children. Currently, not all schools in GA will even hear the parents out. Not a word. This “policy” that they speak of is unwritten and many of them have n o frame of reference to back it up.

As parents, we are only asking that if we ask for them to be together, that the school board hear our suggestions, talk it over with us and ultimately understand what is in the best interest of our children. Just because one set of twins didn’t want/need to be together, doesn’t mean the other set should be cattled into the same category.

The twin bond is so much more involved than even us as parents could ever understand. It should not be compared to that of a normal sister/brother relationship nor that of other students. My thoughts are that teachers adapt everyday to different personalities, from gifted to special and everything inbetween. Why in the world would it be so tough for them to have two kids from the same family in one classroom (if the parents suggest it)? I think those who are arguing this point negatively have no clue as to how this really effects the twins.

Do some research and then make your point. I bet you will be in favor of the children’s rights!

A good teacher will teach any child in her class… not make excuses for why one (or two) of them can’t be taught.

By michele

April 5, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

I am a mother of 12 mos old twin boys. I am for the legislation. My sons are emotionally attached to one another — differently than other siblings. To separate them at school would disrupt their learning. They need to focus on the three Rs instead of overcoming the shock and trauma of being separated from their twin. Unless you have twins, you really can’t understand the significance of separating them too early. We as parents of multiples simply want the option to choose whether our children can be taught in the same classroom, that’s all. It has nothing to do with local and big government. It is really a simple matter of accomodating twins’ emotional needs so they can learn by focusing their attention and energy on schoolwork. Thanks for listening. I’m interested to hear your response.

By jer

April 5, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Most everyone would agree that it is a good thing to have parents involved with their children’s schools and education proces. Right? Then, I can not understand the rational of comments saying the Legislature is “micromanaging” and interferring where they don’t belong. This is simply riduculous! This bill simply allows parents to have some “say so” in the education of their children, which is a good thing. If teachers and principals are the “experts” in educational practices (which I believe many of them are), then shouldn’t they be able to properly inform parents of the “pros” and “cons” of keeping the twins together or separate? However, the final decision should be made by the parents based on THEIR understanding of THEIR children while considering the advice of school faculty. Without this current proposed law, parents are being “shut out” of the educational equation.

By Lisa B.

April 5, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

I had two sets of twins in my elementary classroom last year. Both sets of twins were kept together at parent request, and it was absolutely no problem. I think the government is overstepping the boundries on this issue. The decision should be up to the parents.

By Anna

April 5, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Parents should make the choice. No one cares abpout the best interest of a child like a parent. In some cases, parents may want to seperate and others may need their siblings with them. After spending every waking hour of your life with another person, some twins are traumitized by seperation. Not only is the twin going to have a terrible experience, but so is the rest of the class since the teacher will be monopolized by one individuals anxieties.

By Lee

April 6, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

The heart of this issue is that there is no “one size fits all” answer and school administration usually wants those hard and fast rules. It’s far easier for a principal to point to a policy and say “see, it’s not ME. My hands are tied.”

We pay these administrators big money to make hard decisions. Unfortunately, many would rather hide behind some arcane rule than to do their jobs.

This law is probably the direct result of parents who ran headlong into the government school red-tape bureaucracy mindset.

I’ve fought those battles before.

By mb

April 6, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

I have a singleton child and a set of twins. I worry enough about my singleton starting Kindergarten in a school where he has no pre-existing friends. That is hard on any child. Twins are unlike other children in that due to their circumstances, they have likely spent 24 hours a day together until they begin a school program. That’s just the way it is, since I’m home with my kids and I am only one person, they have to spend their time together. When my twins enter preschool, I would like to start them together, get them over the trauma of beginning a new experience, and then I am open to separating them at some point. If they play together too often and don’t make other friends, then I want to do something about that. But I do not think they should have the joint trauma of being separated for the first time, and the new experience of school, as well as being separated from mom, all at one time - that’s more than a singleton child is asked to handle.

That being said, I don’t understand all the negativity revolving around a parents right to be involved in his or her child(ren)’s education. Any good parent would want to have the chance to discuss issues concerning their child (whether a singleton or multiples) with the teachers and/or administrators for the purpose of coming to a joint decision regarding their child(ren). I would hope that in any situation that arises with any of my children the school officials would work WITH me, and not point to a blanket rule that doesn’t really apply to my child or the current situation. Those of us who are parents of multiples are not asking to be the sole decision makers, we are simply asking that the administrators hear us out and allow us to be a PART of the decision. Yes, I am sure there could be some parents out there who would abuse this power just as there are likely some administrators who hide behind the current rules. But for the most part, I think everyone really just wants to do what is best for the children. Unfortunately, though I don’t yet have any personal experience since my oldest will not enter Kingergarten until this Fall, from what I understand the administration of most schools can be very difficult to work with because of the current laws, and that is all we are hoping to change.

By Lisa B.

April 6, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

One of the sets of twins I had in 4th grade last year chose to be separated in 5th grade this year. The other set chose to stay together in 5th grade. The first pair thought it was time to branch out into other friendships before going to middle school next year. The second set are very outgoing, and already have a large circle of friends. I think the decision to stay together or separate depends on the needs of the children, and who knows that better than the parents!

By mm

April 6, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

I can certainly understand parents of twins having a concern about them staying together and maybe they should have some say. My only thing is that, as is often the case, special treatment is expected for someone with a “special situation”. Mom to 2… no one else gets an opportunity to decide their child’s “placement” into kindergarten either. I know, I know..it is a special situation and I will be blasted for not acknowledging it. Hey, why not a special school just for multiples, you know, to meet their unique needs.

By HB

April 6, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Well, since mm is brave enough to invite scorn, I’ll go ahead this: Parents do not always know what’s in their children’s best interest. ducking for cover

I do believe that in most cases parents know what best for their own child, but in a school setting principals must balance the needs of all students. Also, parents may not have a lot of opportunities to observe their kids in a classroom setting. And then some parents are just stupid jerks. I absolutely think parents should have input, but this law gives them the absolute final say on keeping kids together (but no input at all on separating them if the school sets a policy of never separating twins). No matter what the circustances, even if they’re disruptive when together, the school MUST keep them together if the parents want that.

There’s also no age limit on this law. Should high schools really be expected to give 17-year-olds identical schedules if mommy and daddy request it?

This bill is severely flawed. If there is to be a statewide law, it needs to provide for teacher and administrator input (parents should not be allowed to overule in EVERY situation), and it needs to allow parents to request separate classrooms if they feel that is best for their children.