"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) House Passes Budget Resolution: Prospects of a Compromise with the Senate Appear Dim; (2) Older Students' Science Scores Remain Flat: "Nation's Report Card" Scores Show Gains in Early Grades but No Improvement in Middle and High Schools; (3) Florida Sees Reading Gains: Coaches and Personalized Plans Translate into Higher Reading Scores; (4) Taking the Lead: Maryland Becomes First State in Nation to Codify NGA Compact; (5) California Supreme Court Reinstates State Graduation Exam: State Ruling Could Prove Crucial as Other States Develop Exit Exams; and (6) Alliance for Excellent Education Holds Forum on Data-Driven Decisionmaking. (Contains 1 footnote.)