For Texas families whose children struggled on the third-grade reading STAAR, a new state program could provide extra support outside the classroom.
The Texas Education Agency’s Parent Access to Supplemental Supports, or PASS, program gives eligible families a $400 account to purchase literacy tutoring services from approved providers.
Among those providers is Tutor Doctor of Frisco & McKinney, which allows eligible families to use PASS funds for its personalized, one-on-one tutoring services. Owner Sandy Tutwiler said the program gives families another way to access reading support that might otherwise be difficult to afford.
What is the PASS program?
Established under House Bill 2 during the 89th Texas Legislature, PASS is administered by the Texas Education Agency to help eligible students strengthen reading and literacy skills through supplemental tutoring.
To qualify for the 2026-27 school year, a student must be enrolled in a Texas public school and have scored “Did Not Meet Grade Level” on the third-grade reading state assessment. Families must apply for the program; funding is not automatic.
Once approved, families receive $400 that can be used only for tutoring services through a TEA-approved provider. Parents can review participating providers through the PASS portal and select an option that fits their child’s needs, including in-person and virtual tutoring.
Why is third-grade reading an important milestone?
In the early elementary years, students build the mechanics of reading—learning letter sounds, blending words, developing fluency and expanding vocabulary. By third grade, Tutwiler said expectations begin to shift.
“In third grade, we really start seeing that they need to start interpreting what they’re reading,” Tutwiler said.
Third grade is also when students take the reading STAAR for the first time. Beyond recognizing words, students are expected to demonstrate comprehension, identify an author’s purpose and use information from a passage to form written responses. Those skills become increasingly important in later grades, when reading becomes a tool for learning across subjects, not only language arts.
That shift can also make previously unnoticed reading difficulties easier to spot. Tutwiler said a child who consistently avoids reading, becomes frustrated sounding out words or can read a passage but cannot explain what happened may be struggling with a skill such as decoding, fluency or comprehension.
Identifying where that breakdown occurs can help parents and educators provide targeted support before reading demands become more complex.
How can parents apply for PASS funding?
Applications are available through TEA’s PASS portal. Families can:
Apply for an eligible child
Once approved, select an approved tutoring provider and begin receiving services
Families with questions about eligibility, the application process or finding an approved provider can contact the PASS support team at 1-800-656-4199 or [email protected].
Why choose Tutor Doctor as a PASS service provider?
Once approved for PASS funding, families can select Tutor Doctor of Frisco & McKinney through the PASS portal and use the $400 toward eligible tutoring services.
Tutor Doctor offers one-on-one tutoring in person or virtually, allowing tutors to focus on each student’s specific skill gaps. Tutors assess whether a student is struggling with areas such as decoding, fluency or comprehension, and then adjust instruction as the student progresses.
Tutors also learn about each student’s interests, personality and response to frustration to make lessons more engaging. Reading materials, for example, may incorporate topics a child enjoys, such as soccer or a favorite game, while still targeting the skills they need to strengthen.
For families balancing school, sports and other activities, tutoring can also be scheduled around their routines.
Ready to get started?
Families interested in using PASS funding with Tutor Doctor of Frisco & McKinney can apply through the Texas Education Agency and, once approved, select Tutor Doctor as their service provider.
PASS application: TEA PASS portal
Website: www.tutordoctor.com/frisco-mckinney
Phone: 972-846-4510
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for the Texas PASS program?
For the 2026-27 school year, eligible students must be enrolled in a Texas public school and have scored “Did Not Meet Grade Level” on the third-grade reading assessment.
How much money do families receive through PASS?
Approved families receive $400 to use toward literacy tutoring services from a TEA-approved provider.
How do parents apply for PASS funding?
Parents must create an account and apply through the TEA PASS portal. Funding is not provided automatically.
Can PASS funds be used with Tutor Doctor of Frisco & McKinney?
Yes. Tutor Doctor of Frisco & McKinney is an approved PASS service provider, so eligible families can select Tutor Doctor through the PASS portal and use their funding toward qualifying tutoring services.
What type of tutoring does Tutor Doctor of Frisco & McKinney offer?
Tutor Doctor provides personalized, one-on-one tutoring in person or virtually. Reading support can target individual needs such as decoding, fluency and comprehension, with instruction adjusted as the student progresses.
