The Illinois State Board of Education is convening a working group that will look at ways that preparation programs can honor experience and knowledge, in combination with coursework, to meet the 32-semester hour program requirement that is needed for all preparation program completers — both in traditional and alternative licensure programs. Illinois-approved providers technically have this authority now and some of them are utilizing this approach, but the group will develop a best practices guide that can be shared statewide so educator preparation programs are encouraged to take this approach with individuals who may be entering programs with prior career experience or knowledge that could be used.