The Simple View of Reading and Its Extension As the Cognitive Foundations Framework: A Conversation With Dr. Wesley Hoover

Sep 25, 2025

Dr. Wesley Hoover, a literacy expert and former president of the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, delves into the Simple View of Reading. He explains how this cognitive theory links word recognition with language comprehension to enhance reading skills. Hoover clarifies misconceptions about reading's simplicity, revealing its complexities. He introduces the Cognitive Foundations Framework, which outlines the skills needed for effective reading. Listeners gain insights into assessing struggling readers and the balance of explicit versus implicit teaching methods.

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INSIGHT

Reading Comprehension Is Two Capacities

The Simple View of Reading (SVR) defines reading comprehension as the product of language comprehension and word recognition.
SVR is a testable cognitive theory about necessary proximal capacities, not an instructional blueprint.

INSIGHT

SVR Is About Capacity, Not Instruction

The SVR is a static, not developmental, account: it predicts concurrent relations among capacities at a point in time.
It specifies what must be known for reading success, not how instruction should be delivered.

INSIGHT

Components Limit Each Other's Impact

The influence of one component on reading comprehension depends on the other's level; they don't simply compensate for each other.
Equal gains in word recognition can lead to different comprehension outcomes because language comprehension limits transfer.

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Join us for this informative and enlightening podcast as we delve into the complexities and nuances of the Simple View of Reading (SVR). Our distinguished guest, Dr. Wesley Hoover, will explore how SVR remains a foundational cognitive theory that effectively captures the critical relationship between language comprehension and word recognition in determining reading comprehension.

Dr. Hoover will discuss the key elements of the SVR, clarifying its purpose as a cognitive theory rather than a mere description or heuristic. Our conversation will reveal common misconceptions about reading, emphasizing that while it may seem simple, the interplay of its two critical components—word recognition and language comprehension—reveals a much richer complexity. Dr. Hoover will also introduce the Cognitive Foundations Framework (CFF), an extension of the SVR that expands our understanding of the skills and abilities required for achieving effective reading.

Whether you’re a teacher, an administrator, or simply passionate about literacy, this podcast offers a deeper understanding of what it truly means to learn to read, the cognitive capacities involved, and how we can better support learners on their journey.

Listeners will learn:

An understanding of the SVR and its importance in reading comprehension research
The complexities and limitations of the SVR, including some unanswered questions about reading skills and development
The roles of word recognition and language comprehension as the two essential proximal capacities necessary for reading success
Details about the Cognitive Foundations Framework (CFF) and how it serves to expand the SVR’s insights about reading skills
Effective strategies and approaches for reading instruction and remediation based on the insights derived from the SVR and CFF
Practical applications for educators and parents to better support learners and foster reading proficiency

Tune in for this thought-provoking conversation that will challenge assumptions and celebrate the intricacies of reading! Listeners will leave with a richer understanding of the cognitive foundations of reading and how to apply this knowledge in various educational contexts.