Recent assessments reveal that students in New South Wales (NSW) are significantly lagging behind previous generations in core academic skills by age 15. Data from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), conducted every three years, indicate that nearly one-quarter of NSW students are now classified as "low performers" in mathematics, while almost 29 percent fall into this category in reading—both representing historically low levels.

Experts attribute the decline in literacy and numeracy proficiency to increased digital distractions, including extended screen time and the growing presence of artificial intelligence tools, which have contributed to a reduction in sustained reading and the development of critical thinking skills among students.

Adding to these challenges, a 2024 federal parliamentary report referencing Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) research ranked Australia 33rd out of 37 participating countries on measures of "disciplinary climate" in classrooms. This ranking reflects issues such as frequent noise, disorder, and students failing to listen to teachers, factors that educators consider disruptive to learning.

Some voices in the education sector stress the importance of parental responsibility in shaping student behavior, arguing that discipline begins at home. One experienced teacher, with five decades in both public and Catholic schools, emphasized that expecting educators to manage behavioral problems alone is unrealistic. According to this perspective, schools should be equipped and authorized to enforce discipline rigorously both inside and outside the classroom to enable effective teaching and learning.

In contrast, another educator and commentator criticized recent reforms and international influences on Australia’s education system, particularly from the United States and the United Kingdom, which they suggest have contributed to the current downturn. Drawing parallels with sports strategies influenced by less successful models, this view advocates for adopting educational practices from higher-performing countries such as China, Singapore, and Japan. These include the elimination of private schools and voucher systems, which critics argue have historically underperformed.

Proposed measures to enhance academic standards encompass abolishing digital devices like calculators, reinstating rote learning and memorisation, and reintroducing corporal punishment despite its controversial nature and potential resistance from students. While these recommendations are contentious, they underscore the ongoing debate about the best strategies to address declining student outcomes in NSW amid evolving social and technological landscapes.