Collaborative Consultation
When Evidence-Based Instruction Isn’t Enough on It’s Own
Does this sound familiar?
You’ve implemented IMSE or UFLI with fidelity.
Your staff is trained.
But a handful of students still aren’t making the progress you expected — and you’re not sure why.
Evidence-based curricula work at the population level. Students with complex profiles often need more: an expert eye on what’s happening in the classroom, a bridge between data and daily instruction. We’re a collaborative partner who helps your team make adjustments to serve every child.
COLLABORATIVE CONSULTATION
What We Do
A Stern Center specialist comes to your school, reviews your student’s full record, observes instruction across settings, then builds a concrete, actionable plan with your team. In just six hours or less, you’ll have a custom plan.
How It Works
Record
Review
We study evaluations, IEPs, and progress data before we visit your school.
Classroom Observations
We observe Tier I and Tier III settings—and any other relevant services—
to see the full picture.
Consultation
Meetings
We work with your team to translate findings into specific, implementable recommendations.
Team Meeting
Support
We join IEP and progress meetings virtually to keep recommendations integrated with your planning.
Custom
Plan
You receive a clear report with prioritized action steps: programs, strategies, tools, and monitoring.
Why This Works When Curriculum Alone Doesn’t
✔️ We look beyond fidelity — examining pacing, grouping, modality, and the student’s specific profile.
✔️ We connect IEP goals to classroom practice so special ed and general ed reinforce each other.
✔️ We give teachers and case managers strategies they can use immediately.
✔️ We build sustainable progress monitoring, so you know faster what’s working.
✔️ All recommendations fit within your existing district structure — no new programs unless mutually selected.
✔️ We work alongside your team, not around them.
The collaborative consultation model with the Stern Center has provided our educators with a structured, expert sounding board that directly enhances instructional planning leading to better literacy outcomes for our students.— Jen Hulse, M.Ed | Director of Student Services | Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union
YOUR CONSULTATION CONTACT
Michelle Szabo, M.S. Ed.
Director of Instruction | Collaborative Consultant
Michelle directs the Stern Center’s instruction program, overseeing a team of 20+ teachers who serve 400 students each year. With 27 years of teaching experience, she is a recognized expert in evidence-based literacy instruction. Michelle works directly with school teams to develop IEPs, observe classroom and intervention instruction, and provide actionable recommendations.
Keep Learning
Resources for Teachers
Explore evidence-based resources for teaching structured literacy, Orton-Gillingham, SEL, and more.
Courses & Workshops
Our courses and workshops empower teachers with the latest research and effective practices.
Supporting Educators & FAQs
Do you have questions about course registration, credits, or anything else? Find your answers here!
