High teacher workload in public primary schools, resulting from report writing, led to education sector discussions about the way in which reports are managed.

As a result the mid-year primary school to Year 10 reports in 2022 have a simple tick-a-box competency check, with a focus on parent-teacher interviews to discuss student progress.

In some instances, this has meant teachers are required to organise up to 30 parent interviews across the whole class, taking into account split-family interviews where teachers must talk to both parents.

Australian Education Union state president David Genford said the aim of the new system was to lessen teacher workloads.

He said there needs to be a communication with parents once a term, but that does not mean parent teacher interviews every term.

"The amount of workload placed on teachers and leadership in regards to report writing comments was identified...report writing was a long process, and by the time the comments got to the parents, they were written a month ago and had lost a lot of value," Mr Genford said.

"[The new system] removes the comments and tries to put more of an importance on conversations with parents, whether that be a parent teacher meeting or a phone call, with the freedom for schools to choose how to do that," he said.

"We are definitely happy to move away from a report writing system that was not giving accurate feedback to parents but we are also wary of making sure that the new system doesn't add to teacher workload."

Mr Genford said a review would take place, to examine whether the changes had reduced workload, and ensure it was not putting extra impost on teachers.

He said end of year reports would contain a general summary and not include comments for each individual subject.

Tasmanian Association of State Schools Organisation president Natham Reynolds said there was general acceptance of the changes.

"Communicating directly to families will be beneficial for student learning. One-on-one discussions will give more information around improvements, and an understanding of where individual children are at," he said.

"Illiterate families will also benefit."

An education department spokesperson said more regular communication would replace written comments, for years kindergarten to year 10.

"Research shows that when families are engaged with their child's education their learning and wellbeing outcomes are better," they said.

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