Nineteen geographically distributed secondary schools were linked with research and development resource groups for the purpose of implementing a 5-year learner-centered curriculum. The ultimate goal was to have each of the schools serve as a demonstration center for regionally continguous school districts. The changes attempted were the products of a carefully planned, systematic timetable with redesigned subsystems (instructional, administrative, and budgeting) developed by outside resource groups but necessitating full involvement of practitioners. Progress over the first three years and implications for facilitating future effective linkage between researchers and practitioners and resources at State and national levels are discussed. (Author)