Two years ago, we created a petition for the sake of our sons, Nathan and Lucas. At the time, we let the issue "die" because they were able to attend Headstart in the same classroom. Our previous petition can be found at https://www.change.org/p/iowa-governor-allow-parents-to-incorporate-whether-or-not-twins-should-stay-together-in-the-classroom

Despite continued observation that the boys do best in the same classroom, the school attempted to sneakily state the boys would begin in separate classrooms at the Elementary school. There was no discussion, and a quick attempt to strong arm us into this. In the past, it was said that more data would be collected of the twins together in the classroom and if it was in their best interest, they would find a way to make it work. Nathan and Lucas have thrived in the HeadStart classroom together.  They have not caused a disruption to the classroom together and it is obvious that they have their own individual activities yet, they look to the other for reassurance when they are worried. 

Studies continue to show that twins with developmental delays do not benefit from being separated from each other. Both Nathan and Lucas have expressed that when going to the elementary school, they want to be with their brother. 

Studies-

https://etd.ohiolink.edu/rws_etd/document/get/toledo1224685321/inline​

http://utdr.utoledo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2210&context=theses-dissertations​

http://journals.cambridge.org/download.php?file=%2FTHG%2FTHG7_02%2FS1369052300004372a.pdf&code=730b3c08b0a2911608c095f29250a990

There is no denying that the bond between twins is something very powerful, something many of us can not understand. 

In the State of Iowa, parents do not have the rights that several other states allow in making decisions when it comes to the classroom. Asking for twins to be placed together is not an accommodation comparing to "daycare friends" being put together because they are picked up by the same person. 

All twins are different. Some do better separated. Some, it is obvious learn from each other. Schools should make it an open discussion and not a policy, refusing to take into consideration what parents have learned from their children's learning patterns. 

Parents are the beginning educators. If parents feel their twins should be kept together, it should be done so, unless proven to be an obvious problem. 

http://mommyjenna.com/2014/11/fighting-keep-twins-together-school/ The Nevada Community School District has made it apparent they will not keep these two little boys together, despite their learning pattern. Separating them is likely to create a much more traumatic experience than help.