Too many teaching degrees are mired in theory, lack practical training and are not equipping new teachers with the skills to teach students maths and science, a federal government review into teacher education has found.

Australian Catholic University Vice-Chancellor Greg Craven, who headed the review, said he was alarmed to discover that some teaching degrees do not guarantee any practical training before graduates enter the workforce.

The review, to be released on Friday, has been welcomed by the federal government but will generate controversy because it rejects calls to introduce minimum university entrance scores for teaching degrees or compulsory postgraduate qualifications for teachers.

In its submission, peak body the Australian College of Educators called for an ATAR cut-off of 70 for teaching degrees.