"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) Improving the Lives of Our High School Students: Alliance and Scholastic Co-Host Invitational High School Literacy Summit in Phoenix; (2) Leveling the Playing Field for DC Graduates: Congressional Committee Reviews DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program; (3) Show Me the Money: Denver Teachers Approve a Pay for Performance Plan; (4) On to Conference: House Passes Budget Plan, Does Not Allow Vote on $5.7 Billion Education Amendment; (5) State Commission Recommends Billions for New York Schools: Governor's Commission Calls for $2.5 Billion to $5.6 Billion Increase in Funding; and (6) GAO Report Urges U.S. Departments of Labor and Education to Work Together on Dropouts.