### Question
How does the law define State?


### Answer
Under *20 U.S.C. § 1108f*, **State** is defined as:

> each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau (until the Compact of Free Association with Palau takes effect pursuant to section 1931(a) of title 48)

#### Citation:
  - *20 U.S.C. § 1108f*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 27-NATIONAL VOCATIONAL STUDENT LOAN INSURANCE > SUBCHAPTER V-EDUCATOR RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, AND DEVELOPMENT > Part D-Innovation and Research > subpart 2-alternative routes to teacher certification and licensure**

