Improvement in understanding the specific needs of Indigenous students is required to meet new government teaching standards, according to a new study.

Monash University researchers found that many teachers are ill-equipped and therefore reluctant to teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students given their lack of experience in Indigenous culture and practices, and that there currently exists no professional standard for the professional development of teachers in Indigenous education.

The report recommended greater use of Indigenous education experts in decision-making and increasing the levels of professional development for teachers to overcome their resistance to adhere to these standards.