He says the country has fallen behind other nations in terms of education because of old beliefs and bad habits.
Gates is speaking Tuesday to the National Conference of State Legislatures in Philadelphia. He is telling state lawmakers how they can use federal stimulus money to improve teaching and learning.
Gates, who is one of the world's richest men, has used philanthropy to advocate for better schools to help Americans compete globally.
The Seattle-based Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has given away nearly $20 billion in the past decade to fund programs in world health, global development and U.S. education.
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