"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) Waiving Goodbye to NCLB?: U.S. Education Secretary Discusses Options to Grant Relief from NCLB's Requirements In Absence of Congressional Action; (2) "Diplomas Count 2011": Report Pegs National High School Graduation Rate at 71.7 Percent, Highest Since 1980s; (3) "Helping Students Get Back on Track": New Alliance Report Offers Recovery Options for Over-age and Undercredited Students; (4) "Affirming the Goal": ACT Report Shows Common Standards in Math and Reading to Be Internationally Competitive; and (5) "Fiscal Survey of States": New Report Finds Improving State Budgets, but Looming Challenges.