"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) Preparing, Recruiting, and Retaining Education Professionals: Senator Reed Proposes New $500 Million Bill to Improve Teacher and Principal Quality; (2) Raising Expectations for High School Students: New California Legislation Would Require "College Prep" Courses for All Students; (3) Tax Plan Would Reap Millions for Virginia Schools: Virginia House and Senate Negotiate Compromise on Tax Increase; (4) Mayoral Control a No Go: Washington, D.C., Council Rejects Mayor's Request for Management of City Schools; (5) Schools as Centers of Community: KnowledgeWorks Begins National Search for Excellence; and (6) Alliance Evaluates Presidential Candidates' Proposals to Increase High School Graduation Rates.