The National Diffusion Network (NDN) has, since 1974, disseminated information about exemplary elementary and secondary programs, processes, and projects. State facilitators, usually based in the state education agencies, perform coordinating and brokering roles in program development. Programs are validated by the Joint Dissemination and Review Panel, made up of National Institute of Education and Office of Education personnel and are listed in the annual NDN catalog, "Educational Programs That Work." State facilitators use the catalog to plan new programs or to modify existing programs so that they can be used in their states. Locating the state facilitator in an institution of higher learning can provide unique opportunities for professional growth. The areas of research, internships, field experience programs, and faculty development can benefit from working with the NDN. However, barriers that prevent use of the NDN programs exist in higher education institutions. Colleges are slow to accept change in their established programs. College faculty also may resent the emphasis on evaluation research and the necessity for coordination among political entities. (FG)