What have we done?

It's important to ensure that all ITE graduates are equipped with both general, and more specific teaching skills. That's why the updated Accreditation Standards and Procedures require graduates of primary ITE programs to have a primary specialisation. New primary teachers will graduate with a broad range of teaching skills and knowledge as well as a deeper focus in a particular subject. The primary specialisation requirements are set out in Program Standard 4.4 in the revised Accreditation Standards and Procedures.

The primary specialisation guideline provides further clarity about the Program Standard. It includes additional information around fields of specialisation, assessment, program requirements, implementation and reporting.



What's next?

AITSL is working with key stakeholders, including subject associations regulators and providers, ​to describe the outcomes expected of graduates in areas of subject specialisation. These outcomes will not exceed the level of skills and knowledge expected of graduates at the graduate career stage of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

Why a focus on primary specialisation?

The Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory Group (TEMAG) has observed declining levels of student engagement and participation in maths and science, as well as an overall lack of teacher confidence in these areas. The new primary specialisation requirement will give graduate teachers greater confidence in their area of subject specialisation. Graduate primary teachers equipped with a specialisation​.

What will the outcome be?

AITSL anticipates that graduate primary teachers equipped with a specialisation will contribute to improved outcomes for students, including better engagement and enrolments in targeted subjects, especially in senior years.