The effectiveness of the National Center for Study Adult Learning Literacy's (NCSALL's) Practitioner Dissemination and Research Network was examined by reviewing how, from 1997 to 2001, adult basic education teachers from 14 states served as liaisons between practitioners in their states and the NCSALL by engaging in the following activities: sharing information about NCSALL studies; identifying programs to serve as research sites; conducting their own research; and organizing research-based professional development activities. Key findings were as follows: (1) connecting practitioners and researchers has a positive impact on practitioners, practice, researchers, and research; (2) effectively connecting researchers and practitioners requires specific strategies, including practitioner involvement in research and dissemination, a commitment to collaboration, the right practitioner leaders, and face-to-face meetings; and (3) effectively connecting researchers and practitioners requires specific supports for practitioner leaders, local practitioners, program directors, and state staff. The following were among the study recommendations: (1) provide funding for professional development activities that help practitioners understand and use research; (2) assist states new to research-based professional development; (3) develop activities that help policymakers understand and use research; (4) involve practitioners as both participants and researchers; and (5) provide funding, technical assistance, and coordination to help states integrate research, practice, and policy activities into current systems. (MN)