Managing Multiples

Multiples in the Classroom

In July 2010, a new law went into effect in the state of Tennessee relating to multiple birth children and their placement in school classrooms. Whether or not to separate multiples in the classroom has been a subject long debated by educators and parents. In many school districts, it has been commonplace that multiple birth children are automatically separated regardless of the wishes of the parents or if it was detrimental to the children themselves.

In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of bills and laws seen in many states regarding this very issue. In early 2010, Tennessee legislators undertook a debate on this subject when Senator Dolores Gresham and Representative Beth Harwell introduced legislation in the Tennessee Senate and House regarding multiples in the classroom.

Two's company: Aidan and Tate Bird are all smiles on their first day of Kindergarten.

Representative Harwell says, “When the issue of separating multiples at school was brought to my attention, I saw the opportunity to pass meaningful legislation that would empower the parents.”

Though this is a much-watered-down version of the original bill, the law does allow parents to have a say in what works best in their individual circumstances.

The law, as passed, states: “As enacted, prohibits schools and boards of education from separating multiple birth siblings into different classrooms solely due to such children being multiple birth siblings (Amends TCA Section 49-6-3102).”

”In many school districts throughout Tennessee, schools were allowed to separate multiples for no reason other than the fact they were siblings and were not required to offer any recourse to parents who felt this was not appropriate. This legislation seeks to rectify that by allowing parents a say in what placement would be best in their individual situation,” says Rep. Harwell.

Christina Pendergrass, mother of twins and a singleton, decided to place her twins in the same kindergarten classroom after watching them interact together in preschool. After seeing how much the girls thrived while together, Christina requested that they remain together in kindergarten.

“By observation and teacher input, I [discovered that] the girls were like friends in school.  They didn’t depend on each other and both had separate friends but they fed off of each other at school and at home,” says Christina.

Though she thinks that in the future she will eventually separate them, Christina believes that the decision to keep them together for the time being was the right one for her situation.

Stacie Smith, mother of twin boys who will be attending kindergarten next fall, agrees. As her sons did not attend preschool, kindergarten will be their first experience being educated outside the home.

Stacie says, “I think it will make for a better experience for both of them to have their brother around as a ‘constant’. My sons have spent almost no time apart for the past 5 years so why add separation anxiety to the other anxieties of new school, new teacher, new friends, and new schedules.

Aliza and Aleah Gallaher have smiles that brighten the halls at Normal Park Museum Magnet. Photo courtesy Marquita Gallaher

On the other hand, other parents find that it is best to separate their multiples. Veronica Scott, mother of 6-year-old triplets, is one such parent. In her situation, Veronica found that separating her children made more sense as there is a strong sense of competition between two of her triplets. So far, the result is that the girls are doing great at school and seem to be thriving in their own individual environments.

Veronica says, “I wanted Marissa to have the opportunity to be herself and not feel like she is being compared with her sister and competing with her.”

As you can see, parents come down on both sides of the fence when deciding which will be more helpful in their own situations. This is precisely the reason that many parents have been concerned that mandatory set placement policies relating to multiples in the classroom have been the norm without taking into account individual needs of the children themselves.

Where does a parent go to find more information about multiples in the classroom? That’s easy. Check out TwinsLaw.com! TwinsLaw.com is home to 33 state campaigns for legislation mandating flexible classroom placement policies for multiple birth children. Additionally, TwinsLaw.com provides access to research and information as it relates to the issues of multiples in the classroom.

Miriam Arnold is a proud mother and her twin daughters are excited about school at Northside Learning Center.

Kathy Dolan, founder of TwinsLaw.com, states, “This legislation is crucial to the emotional and psychological well being of school age [multiples]. Allowing parents a voice in the placement of their multiples either separately or together within the classroom ensures that children are placed according to their needs and not upon the condition of their birth.”

Representative Harwell agrees stating, “Parents know their children better than a school board. Further, research supports the idea that, at least in the early years of development, multiples thrive when placed together. I believe this legislation will have a positive impact on the educational needs of multiple birth siblings by allowing the parents a voice in this process.”

As a parent, it is your duty to serve as an advocate for your children’s needs. This law seeks to support your right to have a voice in the decision as to the educational placement of your multiples. Happy advocating!