Parent Power in Placement of Twins

State Legislatures, Sep 2009

The number of twins and triplets (and more) in the United States has more than doubled in tlie last two decades. In 2005, one in every 35 kindergarteners was a multiple birth sibling, With this increase comes the question of whether they should be placed in the same classrooms.

Parents, educators and school administrators must consider academic, behavioral, emotional and social aspects in deciding where to place siblings, but they don't always agree. Traditionally, school principals have decided where to place siblings. Survey and anecdotal information show thai they often believe separating siblings is best.

Some parents, on the other hand, want to keep their kids in the same classroom. Thus far, there is no conclusive research that supports either side of the debate. Groups such as the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Club and the National Association of School Psychologists call for flexibility and collaboration among parents and schools in the decision -making process.

Twelve states have passed laws that directly speak to classroom placement of multiple birth children. Minnesota was the first; lawmakers there passed a law in 2005 requiring schools to carry out parents' wishes. Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia followed suit in passing similar legislation, giving parents the choice. Florida passed legislation allowing parental input in the decision, but schools are not required to carry out the request. And North Carolina passed a bill that gives priority to multiple birth siblings in charter school admissions.

Arizona, Idaho, Michigan and New York have legislation pending. The prevailing sentiment in these bills is to allow parents to make the decision. Maryland also introduced legislation this session to require a school to follow a parent's request, but it failed.