§ 53E-6-206. Expansion of traditional and alternative programs for teacher training.

(1) (a) By July 1, 2028, the state board and the Utah Board of Higher Education, in consultation with administrators and staff directly responsible for hiring licensed educators at an LEA or regional education service agency as defined in Section 53G-4-410, shall develop a strategy for modifying traditional and alternative programs for training teachers. (b) The strategy described in Subsection (1)(a) shall include consideration of: (i) competency-based approaches; (ii) experiential learning, including apprenticeships; and (iii) degree-agnostic qualifications. (2) (a) Subject to having an agreement between at least one institution of higher education and the state board, the state board shall modify requirements for traditional and alternative training program licenses to accommodate the strategy described in Subsection (1). (b) The changes described in Subsection (2)(a) may include the modification of requirements necessary for: (i) a license based on an associates degree; (ii) competency-based training programs; (iii) accommodations for non-traditional students; (iv) credit for competency obtained through prior learning or experience; or (v) other options that would accommodate the strategy described in Subsection (1).