The Simple View of Reading and Its Extension As the Cognitive Foundations Framework: A Conversation With Dr. Wesley Hoover
Release Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025

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.