Education reform and technical assistance systems have been criticized for their inability to sustain significant, long-term improvements in teaching and learning. One method that has shown success is the use of an external facilitator in comprehensive school-change efforts. In collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education, the Appalachia Educational Laboratory (AEL) conducted several diverse technical assistance activities designed to increase the capacity of external facilitators working in the Governor's Best Practice Centers to effectively work with schools and school divisions. Four activities are described in this report, including: (1) the facilitation of strategic planning for the Best Practice Centers; (2) a workshop on data-based decision-making; (3) an algebra study group to finalize and test elements within a proposed algebra resource compendium; and (4) a training for external facilitators. Participants in processes codeveloped by AEL were somewhat to highly pleased with the services provided. The effectiveness with which AEL performed its work may have been influenced by the political realities and uncertainties that it confronted as a new state department of education entity. AEL will need to continuously build and nurture collaborative relationships when the development of products involves several groups who may have competing priorities. An appendix contains a completed evaluation standards checklist. (RT)