1. Ten-gallon Economy: Sizing Up Economic Growth in Texas By Pia M. Orrenius et al., editors
Presents an in-depth examination of the Texas economy in celebration and recognition of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas centennial. Explores the reasons for Texas' recent economic growth and whether this growth comes with costs to be paid in the future. Includes discussions of the margin tax, education challenges, human capital investment, labor market polarization, the shale oil boom, banking trends, energy prices, manufacturing, and economic issues at the Texas-Mexico border. Notes the key to Texas' recent economic success is its ability and willingness to change.
Palgrave Macmillan, 2015. 248 pages.
330.9764 OR7T 2015


 

2. American Higher Education in Crisis? What Everyone Needs to Know By Goldie Blumenstyk
Examines the current state of higher education in the United States and what colleges & universities are doing to adapt to the changing post-secondary education environment. Profiles the new "normal" student, identifying who they are and what they hope to get from a college education. Explores the challenges of higher education financing, from ballooning student loan debt to ever-tightening institutional budgets. Considers the internal and external leadership struggles many universities face, including changing ideas around campus governance structures and new federal accountability measures. Concludes with a consideration of several potential "disruptors" of higher education, such as big data, MOOC's, apprenticeships, and alternate methods of credentialing.
Oxford University Press, 2015. 214 pages.
378.73 B627A 2015


 

3. The Public Wealth of Nations: How Management of Public Assets Can Boost or Bust Economic Growth By Dag Detter and Stefan Fölster
Argues that the main focus of a nation should be how effectively an asset is being managed – not on whether the asset is privatized or public. Examines the position that politicians may not make good managers by the very nature of politics and differing financial philosophies. Suggests state-owned commercial assets would be better off transferred to a national "wealth fund" that would be run by the most talented private and public sector managers to create "public wealth."
Palgrave Macmillan, 2015. 230 pages.
336 D484P 2015


 

4. Conservative Heroes: Fourteen Leaders Who Shaped America, From Jefferson To Reagan By Garland S. Tucker III
Explores the development of conservatism in America and its fundamental principles, from the founding of the Republic to modern day, by examining the lives and ideas of fourteen leaders who championed the tenets of conservatism. Highlights five fundamental principles of American conservatism and demonstrates how these leaders put these principles into action. Profiles founders of the American Republic, congressional leaders, presidents, the man who revived the Republican party, and the three men behind the rise of modern conservatism.
Intercollegiate Studies Institute, 2015. 234 pages.
320.52 T796C 2015


 

5. Texas School Finance Reform: An IDRA Perspective By Dr. José A. Cárdenas
Chronicles the first 25 years of the fight for school finance reform from the perspective of a key player, Jose Cardenas, the superintendent of the Edgewood School District at the time of the first lawsuit. Recounts the very complex story of the litigation as just that, a story, in a clear and very readable manner. Discusses the issue of school finance reform from a long historical perspective, arguing that schools have always been inequitably funded in Texas. Examines each piece of the puzzle, first in a clear chronological order by years, and then by the legislation that resulted from the opinions of the courts. Considers the beginning of the grassroots fight that continues to this day, giving the reader a good understanding of what transpired to get us to the current point in this story.
Intercultural Development Research Association, 1997. 387 pages.
379.12 C178T 1997


 

6. Sleuthing the Alamo: Davy Crockett's Last Stand and Other Mysteries of the Texas Revolution By James E. Crisp
Presents a thoughtful reassessment of Texas Revolution topics separating Texas history from myth. Examines a Sam Houston speech, de le Peña's diary, Davy Crockett's death, and paintings showing the fall of the Alamo to demonstrate a true history detective's search for the truth behind long-held beliefs. Engages the reader in a research process that has application beyond historical matters, showing the value of going back to basics and being doubtful of accepted sources and previous scholarship.
Oxford University Press, 2005. 212 pages.
976.403 C868S 2005