Parents of twins or multiples in the same grade level will have the opportunity to say whether they want their children to be in the same or different classrooms under an act approved by the state Legislature last week.

The act doesn't require schools to create a second classroom if only one exists, but it does give the parents some discretion. School officials can provide professional education advice to the parents.

The parents must make their request within the first 10 days of school or the first 10 days of the children's attendance if the children are enrolled later.

The school will need to follow the parents' request unless after consulting the school superintendent or his or her designee, the principal determines an alternative placement is necessary.

If the principal, in consultation with the children's teachers, finds the requested classroom placement is disruptive, the principal then may determine the appropriate classroom setting.

First Published: July 8, 2008, 4:00 a.m.