Australian schools will limit screen time and restrict the use of artificial intelligence under a package of national education reforms announced today.
The reforms will also strengthen mathematics, financial literacy and civics education as areas of study.
Federal, state and territory Education Ministers have agreed to set or consider screen time limits in schools and restrict the use of generative AI in primary schools and secondary school assessments.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has been asked to review the Years 3 to 6 mathematics curriculum, including opportunities to strengthen financial literacy.
Ministers will also consider making Civics and Citizenship compulsory in Years 9 and 10, following research showing students’ understanding of Australian democracy has fallen to its lowest level since national testing began in 2004.
The measures follow concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on student learning and emerging evidence that reliance on AI could undermine independent thinking.
A new Australian Schools Digital Detox Taskforce will examine the evidence, survey students, teachers and parents, and recommend further measures next year.
Ministers have also agreed that Year 5 NAPLAN writing tests will return to pen and paper to better assess students’ writing abilities without the use of screens.
Maths and financial literacy reforms
Changes to the mathematics curriculum for the first three years of schooling will be introduced next year, with a stronger focus on the order in which mathematical concepts are taught.
The reforms will also support the development of age-appropriate financial literacy.
Curriculum changes to address antisemitism
Education Ministers have endorsed curriculum changes to strengthen teaching about antisemitism, the Holocaust, Jewish history and culture, and the contributions of Jewish Australians.
The changes, recommended by ACARA and endorsed by the Antisemitism Education Taskforce, will begin next year.
A Social Cohesion Education Advisory Council, chaired by David Gonski AC, will also examine ways to strengthen social cohesion and the teaching of Australian values.
New national education commission
Ministers have agreed to establish an Australian Teaching and Learning Commission, bringing four national education organisations under one body.
The new commission will combine ACARA, the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) and Education Services Australia (ESA).
It will oversee the national curriculum, testing, teacher standards, teacher training and education research, with the aim of improving coordination and support for schools and teachers.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the reforms would build on existing national school funding agreements.
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