; ; (21) in paragraph (29), as redesignated by paragraph (5), by striking scientifically based research standards and inserting principles of scientifically valid research ; (22) by striking paragraph (30), as redesignated by paragraph (5), and inserting the following: (30) State (A) In general The term State includes (except as provided in section 148) each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the freely associated states, and the outlying areas. (B) Outlying area The term outlying area has the meaning given such term in section 1121(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. (C) Freely associated states The term freely associated states means the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. ; (23) by striking paragraph (31), as redesignated by paragraph (5), and inserting the following: (31) Technical assistance The term technical assistance means— (A) assistance in evidence use, including professional development, high-quality training, and other supports to implement evidence-based practices and strategies leading to— (i) improved educational opportunities and approaches to teaching and learning that are based on scientifically valid research; and (ii) improved planning, design, adaptation, and implementation of programs; (B) assistance in interpreting, analyzing, and utilizing data, statistics, and evaluations; (C) assistance in identifying and applying to research funding opportunities provided by the Institute; or (D) other assistance necessary to encourage the improvement of teaching and learning through the applications of techniques supported by scientifically valid research.