There are generally three types of learning facilitation programs: 1) curriculum (content-driven), 2) brain training (skill-driven) and 3) character development (self-awareness driven). Here is how PASS compares with the three types.


Curriculum — PASS is not a standalone reading curriculum. It complements and supports any existing reading curriculum.


Brain training – Unlike most brain training, PASS and PASS+ are specialized programs that focus on the core learning skills that support reading success. And unlike most brain training, PASS takes a staged approach of incremental intensity–similar to the process called “loading” in sports training drills–that makes phonemic awareness skills automatic. PASS+ uses a similar approach and trains a broader range of skills than most brain training programs. Success requires preparation and follow-up not included in most brain training programs. We work with schools to provide the proper implementation environment.


Character development — Traits of self-awareness, persistence, attentiveness, and the ability to delay gratification (self-discipline) are instrumental to learning and can be cultivated in conjunction with learning skills training. Nothing inspires diligence in struggling students quite like a powerful demonstration that they can learn and keep pace with their peers in real time, within the school year. No other program combines character trait development and cognitive skills training in the way PASS does. The following principles apply:

  1. The brain can grow and change, intelligence is not fixed. Students learn that they have the power to develop their own intelligence over a lifetime.
  2. The brain is like a muscle in the sense that training and exercise can make it stronger.
  3. Strong learning habits can be developed in a relatively short period of time if applied consistently.
  4. Challenges, mistakes, and even failure are part of the training process for getting stronger and shouldn’t be avoided.
  5. Emotions affect learning in both constructive and destructive ways such as the fight vs. flight response. Students can learn how to monitor and control those signals.
  6. Positive or negative attitude also strongly affects learning; students must cultivate a growth-oriented mindset rather than a self-limiting mindset.
  7. Intrinsic motivators are more powerful and lasting than extrinsic motivators.
  8. Learning is a natural lifelong process that enables students to discover and freely pursue their own path and life purpose.