Science of Reading Essentials: Comprehension

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Jul 16, 2025

Sharon Vaughn, a leading researcher and Executive Director at the Meadow Center for Preventing Educational Risk, joins expert Hugh Catts from Florida State University to dive deep into the complexities of reading comprehension. They discuss reframing comprehension not just as a skill but as a multifaceted outcome influenced by vocabulary and background knowledge. The conversation emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions, selecting appropriate texts, and understanding that reading serves a purpose beyond mere comprehension.

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INSIGHT

Comprehension Is Reading Outcome

Comprehension is not a component of reading but an outcome of it.
This requires shifting how we traditionally think about comprehension in literacy.

INSIGHT

Comprehension Depends on Words & Knowledge

Comprehension results from accurate word reading and knowing word meanings.
Adequate background knowledge then yields comprehension naturally.

INSIGHT

Comprehension Depends on Purpose

The purpose of reading shapes the depth and nature of comprehension.
Comprehension varies with what the reader aims to achieve from the text.

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In this special Essentials episode of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Susan Lambert pulls from past episodes to distill reading comprehension insights from experts Hugh Catts, Ph.D.; Sharon Vaughn, Ph.D.; and Reid Smith, Ph.D. Listeners will walk away from this episode with a foundational introduction to the complexities of reading comprehension, and gain an understanding of topics such as reframing comprehension as an outcome rather than a skill, choosing the right texts and asking the right questions, cultivating long term memory and knowledge recall, and understanding the real purpose of reading.

Show notes:

Access the listening guide—and other free, high-quality resources—at our brand new professional learning page: http://amplify.com/science-of-reading/professional-learning
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Quotes:

“This Essentials episode does not answer everything about comprehension. All we're doing here is building a foundation, understanding that comprehension isn't a skill, it's complex.” —Susan Lambert

“ For the most part, if we're paying attention, if we can read words efficiently and know what they mean and have background knowledge, it yields comprehension.” —Sharon Vaughn

“ Some people say that the purpose of reading is comprehension. It's not the purpose of reading. The purpose of reading is whatever you're comprehending for.” —Hugh Catts

“[There’s] a strong literature base that tells us that one of the differences between poor readers and strong readers is their ability to notice when there are inconsistencies in the text, and have strategies that they can employ to resolve those inconsistencies.” —Reid Smith

Episode Timestamps*
01:00 What are “Science of Reading: Essentials” episodes
02:00 Introduction to comprehension
05:00 Defining comprehension
07:00 Reading comprehension as an outcome
09:00 The purpose of reading with Hugh Catts
11:00 Comprehension vs foundational reading skills
17:00 The importance of text and asking the right questions with Sharon Vaughn
20:00 Discussion on leveled reading
26:00 Background knowledge with Reid Smith
28:00 Long term memory and knowledge recall
31:00 Final thoughts, tips, & encouragement
34:00 Key takeaways from Susan
36:00 Season 10 preview
39:00 Coming up next: Tim Shanahan
*Timestamps are approximate, rounded to nearest minute