AEL operates a special program of research- and development-based services for the Region's state government officials concerned with education policy. Policy makers need timely, relevant, and succinct information as they explore options and formulate policy. AEL uses two formats for written information:

• Issue packets are concise, annotated collections of current articles, reports, and other resources on emerging or hot topics, developed in response to a need or request from one of the Region's policy makers.

• Policy Briefs discuss particularly seminal national issues and how these affect the states in AEL's Region.