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Should there be mandetory seperation for twins and higher order multiples?
Twinsplusus July 16, 2008
I have twin girls who are 9. My state (FL) just recently passed a twin law which gives parents of multiples a voice in deciding whether or not their multiples should be seperated or kept together.
Many states have similar twin laws. My questions are:
1. What you think about this issue?
2. My famiy is moving to TN this month. If you are from TN, does TN have a twin law? Or is there mandetory seperation for multiples?
Twincerely to you all~
TalonTeacher July 16, 2008
Our nine year-old twin girls were separated at Kindergarten. At the time we felt it would enable them to develop their own personalities and meet new friends. That was somewhat successful; we're hoping as they move into middle school next year that they end up in the same "house" (an administrative unit) so they see each other (we will insist on it!).
The charter school I teach at only has one class per grade level, so naturally, the twins stay together. For the sets of twins we have, it has been great. No one ever refers to them as the "twins," they have their own friends and can be together when they want. I'll be getting another pair of twins next year, both unique individuals I am looking forward to teaching.42114
Child_Of_Ra July 16, 2008
I don't know about TN laws and as a matter of fact, I've never heard of laws regarding twins being separated or kept together at all!
I think the parents, and if old enough, the children are the ones who should have a say... NOT the school. As a matter of fact, the school should have NO say at all in the matter.42115
drjohnson July 16, 2008
You will find some of this discussion covered at the multiples group:
http://community.greatschools.net/groups/13392/discussion/183526
It makes so much sense to listen to the parents. I agree with the default of separation, but there can be so many exceptional reasons for keeping them together. And the more of them there are, the harder it would be to keep them always separated.42116
MagnetMom July 16, 2008
I'm not from TN either, but I'd definitely make sure that you talk to prospective school districts before moving if you feel strongly one way or the other.
My daughter's school (so it's clearly not a state mandate) wants to separate twins starting in kindergarten but requires it by 1st grade. I personally feel it's up to the family, and should be on a case by case basis. And as others have pointed out, it's not always possible to separate, so the argument that it must always be done for twins will fail at even more schools when taking into account triplets, quads or more.
Good luck with your move and let us know how it goes.42117
Twinsplusus July 16, 2008
I feel that my girls should be seperated because they learn differently. I donot feel that multiples should be seperated just because they are twins. Afterwe moved to Leesburg from Tampa, I went to get the girls enrolled in school. Before even speaking my twins, the admin said, "we have mandetory seperation". Even though I wanted my twins seperated, I felt a little offended. My girls were in the same preschool class and did fine.
Another thing that drives me crazy is that there in no consistency regarding the explaination. Some admis say it is a school decision while others say it is determined by the school board.
My girls are 9 and are now 4th graders. It just drives me crazy at times I want to pull my hair out.
Thanks for hearing be vent!42118
MagnetMom July 16, 2008
Vent away! I find that even in a really wonderful school, policies are handed down as edicts, not realizing that in other parts of the country the exact opposite is the norm (look at the variety of school start up and ending dates, and each district has a "reason.")
You have valid reasons to keep your daughters apart, and yet you want to have a say in how and when they're separated. I don't see anything wrong with that at all.
And if this is the only issue that causes you to pull out your hair be thankful. :) I am happy with the education both my kids got, but it took quite a bit of dancing and asking for the same thing several different ways to get people to listen.42119
Twinsplusus July 16, 2008
Oh, trust me when I say it can also be a burden when you have your multiples seperated. You definite realize who is a good teacher and eho is a great teacher. And do not get me started on the homework. Sometimes I feel like I going throughschool all over again. YIKES!
I just want my girls to get the same education, but many times I feel that they don't. It is really sad.
Thanks~42120
myoder288 July 18, 2008
I'm the moderator of the multiples board, which I invite anyone with multiples to join.
http://community.greatschools.net/groups/13392
I have 8 year old triplets, in PA. For K, I was given the option of keeping my two daughters together (My son was in a special needs class) and then for first, I chose to have all three separated. Which worked out really well. We continued to separate for 2nd grade, but found that this was much more difficult due to the school work, plus the three different teaching styles. Plus, two of our children area really struggling in school and are behind grade level in reading and math.
My husband and I decided to request that all three be placed in the same class for third grade. We submitted a request to the principle and originally had our request denied. After a follow up meeting with the principle and reviewing our children's test scores and grades, he agreed to place two of our children in the same class. The third, one daughter, will be in her own separate class, and she really is doing the best of the three, plus she really likes her alone time, so we are happy with the decision.
There is a website. www.twinslaw.com that lists all of the states that offer parental choice in placement of multiples. I encourage you to check it out and see where TN is. The other thing to keep in mind, is that the law reflects your choice as a parent to keep your children together OR to separate them, as you see fit.
I hope this information is helpful. Feel free to email me privately, if you'd like more detail about information we provided to the principal, etc....
Good Luck!
42121
Phjataco September 16, 2008
My twin girls were seperated in Kindergarten. They went thru school thinking there was something wrong with being a twin because they could not take classes together. BIG MISTAKE on the schools part. One of my twins died in a car accident at the age of 21. They would be 28 now. The surviving twin feels as if she has always been forced out of her sister's life. They knew they were not connected at the hip and each one was different in her own way. Before they started school they were each very happy little girls. They lost so much by being forced to seperate.42122
Winetuscany October 3, 2008
Contact the school in which your twins will be enrolled and ask about sibling laws. I know that some schools do not allow twins in the same classroom. Why? If god forbid there was an accident you lost both your children, how could you stand it? Losing 1 is enough. It also brings up the content of twins socializing with others just not by themselves. I wish you luck. You brought up a very good topic.42123
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