Bill Gates recently told a group of legislators that education is an industry least changed by technology. Gates also said that reducing class sizes isn't as important as placing a highly skilled teacher in every classroom.

Gates heads the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a philanthropic organization that spent $4 billion dollars to improve under performing high schools, and to improve graduation rates.

Many of the teachers I've talked to believe smaller class sizes give teachers the opportunity to be better teachers. Yes, Mr. Gates, quality teachers are essential, but to not address yearly budget cuts in education that affects class sizes is like a car mechanic with 150 cars that need fixing, but only has a few tools with which to fix them.

Large class sizes in public education affects students achievement according to practicing professionals with whom I've spoken. The number one reason for this belief is that public school classrooms are diverse with many, many needs, packed into one classroom. Public schools must accept all students. Reducing class sizes allows the one adult in the classroom to meet as many students needs as possible. Meeting student needs allows individual students to learn content, which affords them more success in life, and on high stakes tests.