Educational Media Reviews Online

In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, studies concerning the impact of the virus have been continuously conducted and released. The documentary Education, Interrupted is a valuable case study on how the pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns impacted the academic progress of American students. The film follows single mother Tyra and her efforts to continue the education of her two eldest children while schools remained closed. Education, Interrupted tracks Tyra’s progress over the course of nearly two years, from the start of the 2020 lockdown through her children’s return to school.

The footage used in this documentary reflects the struggles faced by Tyra to maintain a level of normalcy in her children’s education alongside her efforts to be a present and positive mother. She, like most parents, was faced with the sudden responsibility of ensuring a proper education for her children while navigating the unprecedented effects of a global lockdown. Without access to childcare, Tyra dedicated herself to teaching her two school-aged children while simultaneously caring for her infant son. Through candid interactions between Tyra and her children, filmmaker Aisha Sultan clearly portrays the struggles and sacrifices made by one mother to ensure that her children stay on target for both academic and emotional development.

In addition to documenting the overall impact of the Coronavirus in America, Education, Interrupted ties in existing issues that already put children and their families at risk. The film touches on the consequences of gun violence, family loss, and financial hardships, all of which can interfere with a child’s academic success, home life, and opportunities for social interaction. This is incorporated into the film to remind viewers that systematic problems such as these did not disappear during the pandemic, but instead continued to factor into the lives of countless households.

Education, Interrupted is based on subject matter that has impacted the world as a whole. Because of this, all viewers, particularly those who were responsible for young children during the pandemic, will form a connection with its subject matter. This film is a natural fit for institutions with teacher education programs, as it depicts the environment in which many current K-12 students have lived; by understanding how families addressed their children’s education during a period of school closures, current or aspiring teachers can better serve the needs of these groups.

This film is recommended for its authentic portrayal of recent historical events, and for its potential to serve as a “time capsule” for future generations.

Awards:
St. Louis International Film Festival, Official Selection

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