Federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne released a review of the national curriculum and his government's initial response on Sunday.

Teachers Federation regional organiser Nicole Calnan labelled the review a "distraction" on Monday, saying it did nothing to address funding needs in schools.

"The review just confirms for us what we've always said - it doesn't do anything to address gaps in classrooms," she said.

"It will mean nothing if the government doesn't increase funding on a needs basis."

Ms Calnan slammed the timing of the review, claiming several aspects of the curriculum had yet to even be rolled out in NSW schools, making them impossible to audit.

Many Illawarra teachers had echoed the reviewers' concerns about "overcrowding" in the curriculum, particularly in primary schools, but it confirmed that teachers needed more support, she said.

"For years, teachers have been talking about the overcrowding and saying there's just too much in there to teach," Ms Calnan said.

"But the problem is you need to have the resources to teach a 21st-century curriculum; you have to have that support."

The review recommends a decluttered, parent-friendly and back to basics approach.

Mr Pyne had initially hoped the changes could be made in time for the 2015 school year but he conceded on Monday it was now too late for that to happen.