"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) Budget Impasse Continues in the House of Representatives: Moderates' Push for Additional Domestic Spending Postpones Budget Vote; (2) "Success in the Middle": New Report Says that a National Policy for Middle Grades is Lacking, Outlines Specific Steps to Improve Middle School Education; (3) "Ready for College and Ready for Work": Report Finds that All High School Students Need Rigorous Curriculum, Regardless of Their Post-Graduation Plans; (4) "Meeting Five Critical Challenges of High School Reform": Report Examines Proven Methods to Turn Around Low-Performing High Schools; and (5) Troubles Boil Over in Chicago High School: Infusion of New Students Leads to Gang Warfare and Violence in the Hallways.