If your child is entering 4th grade in Leander, Texas, and struggled with the 3rd-grade reading STAAR, there may be help available through a new Texas education program called PASS — Parent Access to Supplemental Supports.
Starting in Fall 2026, eligible Texas families can receive up to $400 to pay for approved literacy tutoring services. For families looking for additional reading support, this can be an important opportunity to help a child build confidence and strengthen the skills they need for success in 4th grade and beyond.
At Leander Learning Center, we provide personalized tutoring designed to meet students where they are and help them build the academic skills they need to succeed.
What Is the PASS Program?
PASS stands for Parent Access to Supplemental Supports. It is a new Texas program designed to help eligible families access additional literacy tutoring.
According to the Texas Education Agency, eligible families can receive a $400 online tutoring account that can be used with approved tutoring providers. The program is designed to support students who need additional help with reading.
The PASS application is scheduled to open in Fall 2026. Parents can create a PASS Portal account now and apply when the application becomes available.
Is My 4th Grader Eligible for PASS?
This is where it is important to understand the program.
PASS eligibility for the initial 2026 program is based on a student’s 3rd-grade reading STAAR results, not their current 4th-grade status.
To qualify, the student must:
- Have been enrolled in a Texas public school.
- Have taken the 3rd-grade state assessment.
- Have received a “Did Not Meet Grade Level” result in reading/RLA on the 3rd-grade STAAR.
If your child meets those requirements, they may be eligible for the $400 PASS tutoring account as they enter 4th grade.
Parents should check their child’s STAAR results through the Texas Assessment Family Portal to determine whether their child meets the eligibility requirements.
Why Reading Support Is So Important in 4th Grade
Fourth grade can be a major transition for students.
As children move through elementary school, reading becomes increasingly important across every subject. Students are expected to read more complex material, understand what they are reading, explain their thinking, and use information from multiple sources.
A student who struggled with reading in 3rd grade may find that those challenges become more noticeable in 4th grade.
That doesn’t mean a child isn’t capable of succeeding.
It often means the student needs additional instruction, practice, encouragement, and individualized attention.
That’s where tutoring can make a difference.
At Leander Learning Center, our goal isn’t simply to help students prepare for a test. We want students to become stronger, more confident learners.
Personalized Reading Tutoring in Leander
Every student has different strengths and challenges.
Some students may need additional help with reading comprehension. Others may struggle with vocabulary, fluency, understanding written passages, or answering questions about what they have read.
A personalized tutoring approach allows instruction to focus on the specific skills a student needs to develop.
Rather than giving every student the exact same lesson, tutoring can be adjusted based on the student’s current abilities and progress.
For families in Leander, Cedar Park, Liberty Hill, and surrounding communities, Leander Learning Center provides individualized academic support in a comfortable, encouraging environment.
Can PASS Funds Be Used for Tutoring?
Yes, the PASS program is specifically designed to allow eligible families to use their PASS account to select approved tutoring services that support reading growth.
Beginning in Fall 2026, the program will allow eligible families to use their funds with participating tutoring providers, including brick-and-mortar tutoring companies and virtual providers.
This gives parents more choice in finding an educational provider that fits their child’s needs.
Leander Learning Center is an approved PASS provider, giving eligible local families an opportunity to use their PASS benefits for literacy tutoring.
What Should Parents Do Now?
If your child is entering 4th grade and you believe they may qualify, don’t wait until the school year is well underway to start looking for help.
First, check your child’s 3rd-grade STAAR reading results.
Next, create a PASS Portal account and watch for the application to open in Fall 2026. The official PASS website states that parents can create an account now and apply when the application opens.
Finally, start thinking about what type of tutoring environment will work best for your child.
The right support can help a student enter 4th grade with greater confidence instead of feeling like they are already behind.
Give Your Child a Stronger Start to 4th Grade
A disappointing STAAR score doesn’t have to define your child’s academic future.
With the right support, students can strengthen their reading skills, develop better learning habits, and become more confident in the classroom.
The PASS program gives eligible Texas families another resource to help make that support more accessible.
If your child is entering 4th grade in Leander and received a “Did Not Meet Grade Level” result on the 3rd-grade reading STAAR, Leander Learning Center can help you understand your tutoring options and prepare for the PASS program.
Contact Leander Learning Center to learn more about our reading tutoring programs and how we can help your child build the skills and confidence needed for 4th grade and beyond.
Leander Learning Center
Personalized Tutoring in Leander, TX
Reading • Writing • Math • Science • AP & Advanced Subjects
PASS eligibility and program requirements are determined by the Texas Education Agency. Families should verify their eligibility and available benefits through the official PASS Portal.