Plans to restrict the use of local Indigenous languages in Northern Territory schools are a backwards step, said the Australian Greens today.

"It is clear there is a huge amount of concern over English literacy in the Northern Territory, but we need to ensure there is a researched-based reason for any radical changes to the curriculum, particularly when it comes to language," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

"What we need is evidence based policy that works towards creating better education methods for our children. We know that to engage kids with education, schools need to be accessible, culturally appropriate and meet kids' needs. These changes don't do this."

"Evidence suggests that teaching in both Indigenous languages and English enables a more detailed and mature understanding of English and better engagement - as it allows children to learn based on already developed language skills," said Senator Siewert.

"The evidence clearly shows that bilingual schools in Indigenous communities actually produce better academic outcomes and better English scores."

"Any plan to scale back teaching in first languages is a retrograde step," said Senator Siewert.

"The Northern Territory Emergency Response review found widespread community concern about low levels of English literacy among young people, so we know that this is a huge problem for these communities."

"Taking away the ability for these children to learn in an effective and culturally supportive way is not going to help the situation - only hinder it. It will reduce learning outcomes and undermine efforts to improve school attendance," she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418 401 180