Gates: Spending Cuts Don't Have to Harm Learning

WASHINGTON (AP) — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates says schools can improve the performance of students if they reward excellent teaching and place less emphasis on paying teachers based on their years of service and whether they have a master's degree.

Gates met with The Associated Press prior to a speech to the nation's governors Monday. Most of the governors are struggling with budget cuts that will require large spending reductions, often at the expense of public employees such as teachers.

Gates says he's concerned about cutting spending on education. But he believes that it can happen without harming students.

One way to save money would be to get more students in front of the very best teachers. Those teachers would get paid more with the savings generated from having fewer personnel overall.