Pageticker and Accelerated Reader Reviewed: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Apr 1

3 min read

Pageticker and Accelerated Reader are both digital reading management tools but they offer different approaches. In this article, we will explore their differences as well as how they can complement each other.

Setup and implementation: A streamlined vs. detailed approach

Pageticker: Streamlined setup process

Pageticker offers a streamlined setup process, connecting to Wonde which pulls data from the school's Management Information System (MIS). The automated setup saves teachers valuable time.

Accelerated Reader: More involved setup

In contrast, Accelerated Reader's initial setup can be more involved, potentially requiring schools to catalogue their books according to pupils’ zones of proximal development.

Core Functionality: Key differences in reading progress tracking

Pageticker

Book Logging: Teachers can log any book, including those from various reading and phonics schemes. Books are colour-coded by scheme, and Pageticker suggests the next book to assign based on reading progress.
Reading Fluency: Pageticker supports parents in understanding reading fluency, which includes key metrics like reading rate, comprehension, and expression.

Accelerated Reader

Quiz-Based Logging: Students must complete quizzes after reading books, which test comprehension and sometimes vocabulary.
Points System: AR uses a points system to assess books based on difficulty and length, encouraging students to meet specific reading goals.
Structured Reading Management: AR provides a structured approach with initial assessments and book recommendations based on reading levels.

Parental Engagement: Communication and insights for parents

Both tools offer features for parental engagement but with different purposes:

Pageticker

Acts as a communication tool between teachers and parents.
Allows teachers to send nudges and broadcast messages to their class or the whole school about reading.
Enables teachers to comment or react to a child's reading.
Teachers can also log reading (including guided reading) to share with parents if they wish to.

Accelerated Reader

Offers Home Connect for parents to view their child's recent quizzes and scores.

Data and reporting: Gaining insights into student progress

Pageticker

Teacher dashboard: Provides quick insights into students' daily reading habits and preferences.
Filters: Filter data by location (school or home) and type (read to parent/read alone).

Accelerated Reader

Comprehensive reports: Generates reports based on quizzed books.
Data: Offers data on reading comprehension and vocabulary growth.

Book recommendations: How each tool suggests new reading materials

Pageticker

Teacher Support: Teachers can recommend books to students based on their current reading levels.
Upcoming Feature: Soon, Pageticker will be releasing a book discovery feature based on pupils' reading interests.

Accelerated Reader

Level-Based Recommendations: Accelerated Reader Suggests books based on reading level and quiz performance.

Cost Comparison: Which tool is more cost-effective?

Pageticker pricing

Pageticker offers a more affordable pricing structure overall, which is:

£99 for up to 75 pupils
£199 for 76-225 pupils
£299 for 226+ pupils

Accelerated Reader pricing

Basic program starts at £9 per year with a minimum subscription of £450
Additional tools like Star Reading and MyOn are available at extra cost.

Using Pageticker and Accelerated Reader in parallel

While these tools have different approaches, they can be used alongside each other.

Pageticker can be used for quick, daily reading logs and parent communication.
Accelerated Reader can be used for periodic, reading comprehension assessments.
Pageticker's upcoming book discovery feature could be used alongside AR's level-based recommendations to offer a wide range of reading options.
Pageticker's fluency and engagement data could be used alongside AR's comprehension scores for a comprehensive view of pupil progress.

Final thoughts: Leveraging the strengths of both tools

Pageticker and Accelerated Reader have unique strengths. They can be used independently or alongside one another to support reading fluency, comprehension and the development of vocabulary. In terms of book discovery, they both have varying approaches, either based on reading level or more focused on reading interests.

Exploring digital Reading Records? With features like daily reading logs, parent communication, and smart book recommendations, Pageticker is the perfect tool to support your students' reading journey.