The state of Maine is preparing to expand its student laptop program into the high school grades, providing laptops for school-related use to all of its high school students. The expansion is part of an agreement the state department of education negotiated with Apple for a reduced rate on the laptops, allowing Maine to lease 100,000 machines within existing funds dedicated to educational technology. Under the agreement, the state will provide new laptops to all high schoolers and replace older machines at the middle school level.
School districts are not required to participate in the program, although according to the state department of education, “Superintendents have indicated overwhelming support for the laptop expansion.”
 “Laptops have been shown to engage our students, and initial research shows they improve student achievement, particularly in writing,” says state commissioner of education Susan A. Gendron. “Using technology in this way helps prepare our students for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and are in line with President Obama’s challenge to build 21st century classrooms. We are proud in Maine to once again be leading the nation in innovative and bold steps to prepare our students for college, career and citizenship.”

Source: Press Relaease, Department of Education, State of Maine