Educating Peter

Educating Peter is a 1992 American short documentary film directed by Gerardine Wurzburg about Peter Gwazdauskas, a special needs student with Down syndrome, and his inclusion in a standard third grade classroom in Blacksburg, Virginia. It won an Oscar at the 65th Academy Awards in 1993 for Documentary Short Subject.^[1][2]

Educating Peter
Directed by	Gerardine Wurzburg
Produced by	Thomas C. Goodwin Gerardine Wurzburg Sheila Nevins
Starring	Judy Gwazdauskas Peter Gwazdauskas
Cinematography	Gary Griffin
Edited by	Grady Watts Ilana Bittner
Music by	Richard Einhorn
Production companies	State of the Art, Inc.
Distributed by	HBO (TV) Direct Cinema Limited (educational)
Release date	December 15, 1992 (1992-12-15)
Running time	30 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Overview

Peter Gwazdauskas, a third-grade boy with Down syndrome, is attending a traditional school with typically developing students for the first time. Previously, he was enrolled in a school exclusively for students with disabilities. His transition is based on federal law, which requires that students with special needs be educated alongside their peers in traditional schools.

At first, Peter struggles. During the first half of the school year, he displays challenging behaviors such as making loud noises, rolling on the floor, and occasionally acting aggressively toward classmates. However, by January, his behavior begins to improve significantly. By the end of the school year, he is doing well.

Recognizing his progress, the school awards Peter an "Exceptional Student" award on the last day of school, celebrating his achievements along with his classmates.

Cast

• Judy Gwazdauskas as Herself (Peter's Mother)
• Frank Gwazdauskas as Himself (Peter's Father)
• Peter Gwazdauskas as Himself
• Mrs. Stallings (Peter's Teacher) and her class.
• Mrs. Colley (Special Education Teacher)

Sequel

Graduating Peter was released in 2001. The sequel follows Peter in middle school, high school, and his high school graduation.