"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) Year of Math and Science?: Flurry of Congressional Hearings on Economic Competitiveness Focus on High Schools and Math and Science Instruction; (2) McKeon Appointed Chair of House Education and the Workforce Committee; (3) Maryland Legislation Would Codify Governors' Compact on High School Graduation Rates: Alliance President Testifies in Support of Legislation; (4) High School Curriculum Best Predictor of Success in College: Longitudinal Study Finds Reading Skills a Must for Accessing Challenging High School Material; and (5) State of the State Addresses: Rhode Island and Tennessee Governors Stress Education Reform as Central to Thriving Economies.