“Since the introduction of in vitro fertilization in the 1980's, the number of twin births in this country has risen by nearly a third. In 2003, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, the number of twin births reached a record high of close to 129,000” (Bellafante). Due to this increase in multiple births over the years, many have become divided on the opinion of whether or not twins should be separated inside the classroom. Some argue that separating twins can be a traumatic experience that will only lead to further problems in the future. However, looking further down the road, the benefits of classroom separation completely outweigh the detriments. It is imperative that twins be separated inside the classroom as it allows …show more content…
The primary reason being that it promotes individuality and allows for each twin to become their own person. “Most schools have had rigid policies supporting the belief that twins need to be physically separated during school to develop intellectual, social, and emotional independence from each other, toward an individual sense of self” (Faulkner). Some sets of twins have indistinguishable physical traits from each other. Twins do however have their own distinct identity, allowing them to be seen as unique individuals. Classroom separation allows twins to better develpe different aspects of their personality. Being kept together in school only makes it harder for them to be seen as more than just twins. “Their concept of self and their development as an individual is inextricably (linked with how far they and others perceive them to be a unit.)” (Hay and Preedy). When twins are placed in the same class, physically they are seen as two people but are only really perceived as one. Everyone assumes them to be exact copies of one another and eventually that's what they become. Being in the same classroom does not leave much room for diversity. It’s not wrong for twins to be interested in the same things, but it becomes a problem when one twin is denied their full potential. “If one twin is much more dominant than the other...There may be concern …show more content…
Growing up with a “forever friend” provides twins with a support system; Someone who is there for all your highs and all your lows and knows every detail about you. However, when it comes to school, having that constant dependence on somebody can be harmful in the way twins grow up. Allowing each twin to be able to assert their own independence plays a big part in why school administrations split up twins (Bellafante). Students who have a sibling in the same grade need to learn to be self-sufficient as well as self-reliant. Part of becoming a functioning human being of society is learning to do things for yourself rather than relying or depending on others to do them for you. “Same-age siblings need to learn right away to navigate school as individuals, without relying on, or retreating to, their other half. ‘The thinking was that twins needed to be separated to expand their social horizons.’" (Davidson). For twins, a common problem seen when they are placed in the same class is that one is often conditioned to having the other twin do all the “hard life skills” for them. For example, a big skill learned in early education has to do with working on social skills. One twin can’t do all the talking and friend making for the both of them. They each have to learn this skill as it is one that is used in everyone’s day to day life. The sooner they are