Skip to main content

Pilgrim Area Collaborative

Connecting SCHOOL ~ HOME ~ COMMUNITY

Educational Coaching

PACES ~ Pilgrim Area Collaborative Extended Services

Educational Coaching

The PACES Educational Coaching model provides individualized, one-on-one support designed to assist students enrolled in the BSU EXCEL Partnership Program. Whether a student is a commuter or a residential life participant navigating the daily logistics of campus life, our coaches provide the scaffolding necessary for success in a higher education environment. The PACES Ed Coach works closely with EXCEL program staff to ensure understanding and follow through and encourage students’ independence around communication, decision making and problem solving.   

What is an Educational Coach?

A PACES Educational Coach provides highly specialized, one-on-one support designed to help individuals achieve learning goals that are often difficult to attain in isolation. Our PACES EXCEL Coaches act as a bridge between the student’s transitional goals, Person Centered Plan, current IEP and their University experience. While EXCEL provides the academic framework, the PACES Coach focuses on the practical application of skills, helping students leverage their unique strengths to overcome social, organizational, or sensory barriers within the BSU community.  This partnership is built on the principle of systematic growth; the coach’s role is to gradually fade support to foster true independence throughout the college experience. By strategically reducing direct intervention, students are empowered to rely on the natural resources the campus provides through the Academic Achievement Center (AAC), Career Services and Student Accessibility Services (SAS) including tutoring, writing studio, math lab, etc.  

Supporting the EXCEL Experience

We tailor our coaching based on the student's enrollment status: • For Commuter Students: 15 hours of weekly on-campus coaching is provided to focus on executive functioning, time management between classes, navigating campus transportation, and engaging in "bridge" social activities to ensure the student feels connected to campus life beyond the classroom. • For Residential Students: 20 hours of weekly on-campus coaching is provided to additionally focus on social skills, time management between classes, navigating campus transportation, taking advantage of residential life events, and offerings, and connecting with the Res Life Coordinators and Peer Mentors. • In addition to direct coaching staff, PACES services are supervised by a staff member who holds either a master's degree and/or a professional DESE license and has a minimum of 3 years of experience providing services to young adults with social and learning challenges.  This case supervisor typically provides 8 hours of monthly program supervision, collaboration, and family consultation.    

Download Brochure

 

A diverse group of people poses for a photo in front of a brick building with a flag.

Questions about assessments/evaluations and for scheduling should be directed to:

Deb Booth, M.Ed., PACES Director
508-747-6686 Ext. 2701
dbooth@pilgrimac.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Have additional questions? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

  • A PACES Educational Coach provides highly specialized, one-on-one support designed to help individuals achieve learning goals that are often difficult to attain in isolation. Our PACES EXCEL Coaches act as a bridge between the student’s transitional goals, Person Centered Plan, current IEP and their University experience. While EXCEL provides the academic framework, the PACES Coach focuses on the practical application of skills, helping students leverage their unique strengths to overcome social, organizational, or sensory barriers within the BSU community.  This partnership is built on the principle of systematic growth; the coach’s role is to gradually fade support to foster true independence throughout the college experience. By strategically reducing direct intervention, students are empowered to rely on the natural resources the campus provides through the Academic Achievement Center (AAC), Career Services and Student Accessibility Services (SAS) including tutoring, writing studio, math lab, etc.  

  • The goals are for individuals to improve their learning skills, increase their independence, and to make progress toward reaching their full potential as a learner in a postsecondary setting.

    • Self-Determination: Increasing self-awareness and the confidence to self-advocate with professors and peers.

    • Goal Execution: Developing actionable plans to balance EXCEL course requirements, internships, and social commitments.

    • Emotional Regulation: Building tools to remain calm and confident when navigating the environment of a university campus.

    • Community Connection: Working collaboratively with the student’s LEA, and the university staff to ensure a successful transition into adulthood.  

  • • Support students attending the EXCEL Partnership program, according to the Bridgewater State University academic calendar.

    • Is on campus with their student at least 3 days per week, no less than 15 hours total. Residence Life students will be supported 1:1 by an Education Coach on campus, no less than a total of 20 hours a week.

    • Helps the student to create, modify, and work on an EXCEL person-centered plan.  

    • Attends classes with the students auditing, to support engagement and participation.

    • Meets regularly with the student to review course content, clarify assignments, and ensure understanding.

    • Teaches and reinforce strategies that help the student navigate challenges, build strengths, and meet course expectations.

    • Assists the student in building a network of academic and campus support.

    • Evaluates the student's specific needs within the context of the BSU campus. • Participates in required orientation and trainings (at least 2x/year) provided and facilitated by BSU. 

  • • Meets regularly with the Ed Coach to provide supervision, case management, resources and support as needed.  

    • Works collaboratively with the student’s family, LEA, and the university staff to ensure a successful transition into adulthood by building a network that includes the family, BSU supports and adult service agencies (DDS, DMH, MRC) to access after the EXCEL program concludes.  

    • Attends team meetings, prepares two progress reports, and generates goals/objectives with the student for annual IEP meetings if required. 

  • This service is specifically designed for young adults (ages 18–22) enrolled in the Bridgewater State University EXCEL Partnership program. Typically, students may be enrolled in a Postsecondary High School program within their local district and may or may not meet graduation requirements for a High School diploma. Students are expected to fully participate by engaging in classes to the best of their ability, participating in internships, collaborating in staff check-in meetings, getting involved in campus activities and socializing with peers. Outside of these activities, students are expected to meet on a regular basis with their Education Coaches while on campus for academic support, to access campus resources, to complete action activities from staff check-in meetings, and to work on daily living skills, etc.