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71. Should I separate my multiples in school? This question is by far the most frequently asked about school age multiples and is sometimes controversial in the world of multiples. Most literature and information about school placement with multiples involves twin research. Many schools believe that multiples, particularly twins, should be treated equally and thus separated. Some school administrators feel that separating multiples gives each child the chance to develop a distinct personality. Many parents of multiples feel that they know their children best and should have the final say regarding their children’s placement. Recent research studies (see resources below) show that placement affects multiples differently depending on the zygosity and age of the multiples as well as other factors. The decision is best made based on each child’s and each family’s needs. The decision making process should involve parents, teachers and administrators working together with best interest of these particular children in mind and not necessarily a school policy with a blanket rule for all multiple birth children or a matter of convenience. What will be right and appropriate for one family may not be for the next. In addition, the decision should be reviewed on an annual basis since what was appropriate and reasonable for one academic year may not be for the following year. Ultimately, it may be in the children’s best interest to have at least some separate classroom experiences prior to entering middle school where separation is inevitable. See MOST's Policy on School Placement States with legislation on classroom placement of multiples (bolded states have passed legislation or adopted a resolution):
MOST's Policy on School Placement MOST offers in-depth information about school separation in several school-age articles including this free sample article on school separation. MOST also places on the MOST Family Support Forums for families of school-age multiples to post questions.
Read articles on school-age multiples on the MOST Stories from the Heart blog. MOST resources for education professionals Checklist for parent/teacher discussion on school placement of multiples Article from ERIC Digest on classroom placement of multiples Twin Services article "School Placement: Apart or Together?" Clearinghouse on Early Education and Parenting: Classroom Placement of Twins Council of Multiple Birth Organization (COMBO) Wiki on Multiples Research studies on school placement:
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Copyright MOST 2005 Updated 7/23/10 |