Plan To Give Laptops To Maine 7th Graders Faces Doubtful Future

By Mary Ann Zehr

A proposal by Gov. Angus King of Maine to buy a laptop computer for every 7th grader in the state isn't getting much support from key legislators.

"At this point, it is highly unlikely it will see the light of day," said Sen. Philip E. Harriman, the ranking Republican on the state's joint appropriations committee.

While a growing number of schools and districts are providing laptops for their students, Mr. King, an Independent, is the first governor to propose the idea...