Support for Diverse Learning Needs

In response to the growing demand for specialized educational and behavioral support for students, the Lake Union Education Department has taken significant steps to enhance its offerings. This initiative included creating a dedicated position and hiring a qualified professional to address the specific needs of students requiring extra assistance.

Stepping into the new role of special education coordinator and instructional coach effective Sept. 1, 2024, is Wadzanai Bepe, PhD. With 13 years of experience as an instructional coach and teacher for the City of Mishawaka school district, Bepe is well-equipped to handle the complexities of this vital position. During her time in Mishawaka, she was instrumental in collaborating with teachers, parents, and therapists to define educational strategies tailored for students with disabilities. Her extensive background in working with diverse learning needs makes her an ideal fit for this role.

Before her tenure in Mishawaka, Indiana, Bepe served as an elementary school teacher in Zimbabwe, her home country, as well as in South Bend, Indiana. She holds a PhD in psychology from Northcentral University and a Master of Science in special education from Indiana University South Bend. This combination of academic credentials and real-world experience provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by students with exceptional needs.

In her new role at Lake Union, Bepe will work closely with educators and parents to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) that cater to each student’s unique educational requirements. There can be multiple reasons a student might need an IEP, including physical or mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and developmental delays. The goal is to ensure that every child receives the tailored support necessary to thrive academically.

“Dr. Bepe brings a wealth of experience in assessing and improving the learning experience and outcomes for our exceptional learners,” said Lake Union Director of Education Ruth Horton, EdD. “We are excited that her passion for helping students with specialized educational needs will help learners achieve their academic goals and milestones. No child should struggle because of an inflexible curriculum or classroom. It’s important—not just to us, but to God—that every child in our 76 Lake Union schools reaches their maximum potential.”

Bepe emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique qualities of each student. “Helping students succeed begins with the recognition that every child is unique, not just in terms of personality, but in terms of strengths and learning support need,” she stated. “Success doesn’t look the same for every student. As a teacher, being able to differentiate for each student’s individual needs is important, particularly for children with diverse support needs.”

The demand for special education services has surged over the years, with the number of students in special education in the U.S. having doubled over the last four decades. This growing demand means that schools are now responsible for providing specialized services to a significant and expanding population.

In the 1976-77 school year, the first year the U.S. Department of Education collected data following the 1975 passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, students in special education made up just 8% of the overall student population. Fast forward to the 2022-23 school year, and the number of students requiring special education services nationwide ranged from 12% to 21%.

While specific numbers for students needing individualized education in Lake Union schools are currently unavailable, it is evident that parents are increasingly requesting these essential services. The stigma surrounding children with learning disabilities or those on the autism spectrum has diminished significantly. Experts suggest that educators have become better at identifying when students require special services, and parents are now more open to seeking help for their children.

“Providing special education services has been viewed as a challenge in our system,” explains Horton. “But with the availability of more avenues to provide increased support for students with exceptionalities, coupled with the diminishing stigma previously attached to exceptional learners, there is now a positive association with seeking out, receiving, and benefiting from such assistance. We’re delighted that the Lake Union Education Department is now able to offer this vital support.”