McHOSE/GREENWALD/VOSS BILL ALLOWING PARENTS OF TWINS TO DETERMINE CLASS PLACEMENT NOW LAW

McHOSE/GREENWALD/VOSS BILL ALLOWING PARENTS
OF TWINS TO DETERMINE CLASS PLACEMENT NOW LAW

(TRENTON) - Bipartisan legislation Assembly members Alison McHose,  Louis Greenwald, and Joan Voss sponsored to give the parents of twins or other multiple-birth children the authority to decide whether their kids learn in the same classroom was signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine.

"Parents know best what the right educational setting is for their children," said McHose (R-Sussex/Morris/Hunterdon). "When making classroom placement decisions about twins or multiples, it makes sense that the parents be involved in determining what arrangement will work well for their children."

"Parents of twins know whether their children will be a help or a hindrance to each other in the classroom," said Greenwald (D-Camden), the father of twins. "Class placements involving twins should not be made in a vacuum. The knowledge and experience of parents in knowing how their children interact with each other must be given the utmost consideration."

The measure (A-1671) allows parents of twins or higher order multiple births - such as triplets or quadruplets - enrolled in the same grade at the same public school to request their children be placed in either the same or separate classrooms.  A placement request will be granted if it is submitted within the first 14 days of the students' enrollment.

The new law makes New Jersey one of at least seven states that grants parents such rights.

After the first marking period following enrollment, a principal - in consultation with teachers and parents - can request that a board of education change an arrangement if the initial placement is found to be disruptive or does not sufficiently support the students' academic or social development.

Parents will be responsible for transportation costs associated with a placement decision.

"With multiple births becoming more common, parents and principals are more frequently confronted with decisions about classroom placement for siblings," said Voss (D-Bergen). "Parents of twins must be empowered to make placement decisions that can directly impact their children's ability to learn and grow."

The new law takes effect take immediately and will apply to the 2008-2009 school year.

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