The paper explores recent legal and programmatic changes in the education of the handicapped in Massachusetts. A first section highlights some aspects of the law, including court interpretations of the meaning of "appropriate education" and examples of state legal standards that are different than federal standards. Also addressed are issues of program delivery, identification of young children with handicaps, and systems for program placement. Massachusetts' procedures for developing the Individualized Education Program are reviewed. The authors conclude by raising issues which must be faced by educators, such as cost concerns, and questions of equity and legality. (CL)