The Journal

The Texas Lyceum Journal is published by the Texas Lyceum Association, Inc., a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Each issue of the Journal is edited to be in keeping with the Lyceum's philosophy of valuing differing opinions by representing as many views and opinions of our State's leaders as possible. The Journal has become a mainstay of Texas' civic leaders and is traditionally published in conjunction with the Lyceum's annual public conference.

Separation of Church and State - Why?

Harnessing the lighting: Economic Growth Opportunities for Texas

Introduction

Economic development initiatives have been a major public policy focus for the State of Texas in the most recent past. To further discussion on economic development topics, the Texas Lyceum is publishing the 2006 Journal in conjunction with its public conference held in San Antonio in November 2006. The goal of both the conference and the Journal is to stimulate the discussion between public and private sector stakeholders on the future economic development activities in the State.

Overview

Economic development activities have helped diversify and grow the burgeoning economy of the State of Texas. The multifaceted components that go into creating a successful economic development policy are wide ranging, and share varying degrees of support throughout the State. This issue of the Journal covers topics that cut to the core of economic development – research and development, access to capital, higher education, and commercialization, to name a few.

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2006 Public Conference Pre Conference Articles

The Texas High School Diploma: What Is It Worth?

Introduction

The Lyceum's Public Conference in October, 2005 focused on high school education in Texas. Few topics have such a profound effect on our society and our collective future. This conference brought together state, national and international experts in the field of high school education to discuss this critical issue.

Overview

High school is such a critical part of our educational process that should we fail there, we fail. The articles in this issue of the Lyceum Journal deal with knowledge, knowledge acquisition and the systems supporting that process. The authors address not only our failures of leadership and process but give suggestions for hope and more importantly, change. This issue is divided into the following perspectives: the description of need/where improvements must be made; methods to achieve these improvements; and specific models and programs which target specific improvements.

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Heath Care: Right or Privilege?

Introduction

The Texas Lyceum held a Public Conference on Health Care in Houston in 2004 that was attended by several well known leaders within the Health Care industry as well as business and civic leaders throughout Texas. We invite and encourage you to download the Lyceum Journal that was written as a special edition to capture the issues and discussions that were explored and debated during our conference.

Overview

The right or privilege of healthcare was the discussion for our Public Conference, but it was more than just a discussion. Access to healthcare continues to be a growing problem for millions of people in our state. The purpose of this conference was to highlight the underlying debate central to health care delivery, policymaking and financing and raise public awareness of the important issues consequent to the health care system's fragile infrastructure.

We regularly read about or are told by the media of the tens of thousands of people who are without health insurance, the demands on our city and county emergency rooms or the illnesses that could have been prevented.

In true Lyceum fashion, our public conference presented several sides of the issue to help lawmakers, policy advocates, health professionals, and concerned citizens to begin developing real strategies to tackle this problem.

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Leadership… Texas Style

Introduction

Our May, 2003 issue of the Texas Lyceum Journal captures many of the discussions presented at our quarterly meeting that focused on leadership held that month.

Overview

The Texas Lyceum was founded on a principle of conscience over convenience, a principle often practiced by leaders in our state. During the month of May, the Texas Lyceum met in the cradle of leadership in Texas. The Nacogdoches meeting focused on "Leadership…Texas Style" and this issue of the Journal is a summary of that outstanding discussion.

As is customary, this meeting brought together key voices on the topic of leadership, how it is practiced and how we all are leaders whether right out front or behind the scenes leading by example. One of the key takeaways from this topic was the action taken by the community of Nacogdoches and its role in the aftermath of the February, 2003 Space Shuttle tragedy.

The Texas Lyceum is very appreciative of the public and private officials who took time from their busy schedules to participate in the meeting and contribute to this edition of the Journal.

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Children’s Issues

Intro

Our January, 2003 issue of the Texas Lyceum Journal captures many of the discussions presented at our Public Conference on Children's Issues.

Overview

On January 31, 2003 the Lyceum's Public Conference on Children's Issues brought together key voices in the debate over the needs and priorities of our state as we began the 2003 legislative session. The Texas Lyceum Association, along with the LBJ School of Public Affairs, Initiatives for Children, and the Texas Association of School Boards, in partnership with The Children's Defense Fund and Family Services Association, invited those with an interest in this growing public issue to join us for a one-day policy conference that was both informative and engaging.

This issue of the Lyceum Journal continues the conversation on these key important issues. The Texas Lyceum is very appreciative of the public and private officials who took time from their busy schedules to participate in the conference and contribute to this edition of the Journal.

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