This report describes initiatives and services of the Massachusetts Department of Education for academically advanced students. The first section summarizes the department's state initiatives implemented as a result of the state's Education Reform Act of 1993, such as grants to enhance district gifted and talented programs and Advanced Placement (AP) programs. The second section presents data from a 2002 survey of services provided to academically advanced students in individual Massachusetts school districts. Among findings of the survey at the elementary level are that when advanced instruction is provided, it is more likely to be available in the upper elementary and middle school grades than in the primary grades. Among survey findings at the high school level are that honors, advanced, and AP courses are offered in all the core academic subjects in most Massachusetts high schools. The report concludes with four recommendations for the State Department of Education: (1) incorporate measures of progress by academically advanced students into existing department initiatives; (2) establish an index of advanced achievement as part of the state accountability system; (3) provide professional development for teachers; and (4) develop educator preparation programs leading to special licensure. (Contains 26 references.) (DB)