This document is a study of the Massachusetts Department of Education, with recommendations on how the department may better serve the needs of public school students in the Commonwealth. The study examines the department's current internal operations and its performance of external functions, recommends how these operations and functions might be improved, and suggests how various people and groups might translate the study's recommendations into public policy. Major themes central to the study are (1) a concern with the pursuit of the advancement of educational quality and equality and the consideration of ways in which the department may better contribute toward these objectives, (2) a belief that the department must be better equipped to advance quality education for students by assisting schools and educators in the delivery of quality school services to students, and (3) an emphasis on the importance of State government in education. (Author)