A Slice with 'Dice

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice draws on the 2024 National Association for Gifted Children report, Universal Educator Preparation in Gifted Education , to explore the case for training all educators to understand and meet the needs of gifted and talented students. The report highlights systemic gaps in teacher preparation that leave many advanced learners unsupported, contributing to the...

Reflecting on a semester isn’t just about grades—it’s about growth, resilience, and setting meaningful goals. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how parents can guide students through powerful conversations that celebrate accomplishments while addressing challenges. This episode outlines five key questions that help students reflect, recharge, and plan for the semester ahead. Whethe...

For students navigating the stress of a deferral or waitlist decision, the Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) can be a powerful tool to reignite hope. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how students can craft an effective LOCI, offering guidance on what to include, how to highlight recent achievements, and why professionalism matters. This episode empowers students to approach the...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the concept of "exerting pressure" from Barry Conchie and Sarah Dalton's The Five Talents That Really Matter: How Great Leaders Drive Extraordinary Performance. While the book identifies five key leadership talents—Setting Direction, Building Energy, Exerting Pressure, Increasing Connectivity, and Controlling Traffic—we focus on how...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the concept of Microwins, introduced by Daron K. Roberts, and how it can revolutionize school leadership. By focusing on small, achievable victories, school leaders can build momentum, foster trust, and drive meaningful progress in their schools. From improving teacher morale to closing academic gaps and strengthening parent engagement, Microwins p...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice unpacks the newly released Federal Strategic Plan for Advancing STEM Education and Cultivating STEM Talent and its implications for STEM school leaders. With a focus on equity, innovation, and collaboration, this five-year plan lays out a roadmap for inspiring the next generation of STEM thinkers and doers. Join us as we explore the plan's bold vision,...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how school administrators can apply the principles of Paul Graham's essay "Founder Mode" to their leadership practices. Originally a concept from the tech startup world, "Founder Mode" emphasizes deep involvement, direct communication, and staying connected to the core mission. We'll discuss how these ideas can transfo...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how school leaders can develop a metaphorical thicker skin when facing public scrutiny, criticism, and the challenges of making tough, sometimes unpopular decisions. We delve into four key strategies to help leaders stay grounded and resilient: owning decisions with confidence, not taking criticism personally, leaning on a strong support network, a...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice takes a deeper look at the evolution of STEM to STEAM and why it’s time to go even further. While the addition of the arts was a critical step in integrating creativity into education, the use of acronyms like STEAM can sometimes limit our thinking by treating subjects as separate silos. Instead, we advocate for focusing on *creativity* and *innovation*—two...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice delves into Joseph Renzulli's influential "three ring" model of giftedness, which defines giftedness as the intersection of above-average ability, creativity, and task commitment. While ability and creativity are often emphasized, this episode focuses on task commitment—the perseverance and determination to see challenges through to the end....

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how school leaders can move beyond the ineffective mindset of "If everyone would just..." and instead focus on generating genuine buy-in for school initiatives. By fostering engagement, creating spaces for open discussion, and building a shared vision, leaders can inspire their staff, students, and community to rally behind a common goal....

As the holiday season approaches, the pressure to accept every social invitation can feel overwhelming. In this episode, ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice dives into a fascinating study by Julian Givi and Colleen P. Kirk that reveals why saying “no” to invitations is not only okay but often overanalyzed by those of us who feel guilty about declining. We’ll explore why hosts are more underst...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores  the hidden stress and anxiety high school seniors experience when asked about their college plans. While well-meaning, questions like "Where are you going to college?" can unintentionally add pressure, making students feel evaluated or uncertain about their future. We'll discuss why these questions are problematic, how they amplify...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice dives into the Challenge Success 2024 Student Voices Report , which gathers insights from over 270,000 high school students across the United States. We explore the critical findings related to student well-being, engagement, and sense of belonging, highlighting how sleep deprivation, academic stress, and a lack of meaningful connection are impacting studen...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the Stanford Challenge Success Survey of Adolescent Student Experiences, a powerful tool that helps schools gain a deeper understanding of their students' lives beyond academics. We discuss the importance of this survey in identifying student needs, promoting a healthier school environment, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Jo...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the often-overlooked early stages of the highly-selective college admissions process: the Awareness and Inquiry phases. While most students focus on the application itself, we reveal how starting early and engaging strategically during these initial steps can set you apart from the competition. Learn how to make a lasting impression on admissions o...

In this episode, ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the future of Arkansas' creative economy—a powerful blend of arts, technology, and cultural innovation that has the potential to transform the state. We’ll discuss the findings of the Arkansas Arts and Technology Bootcamp study, which highlights key areas like expanding broadband access, fostering regional collaboration, and i...

In this week's episode, ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the profound impact of pronoun choice on how messages are perceived, particularly in adversarial contexts. Drawing from recent research by Mohamed Hussein and Zakary Tormala, Alderdice discusses how using "you" versus "we" can significantly alter perceptions of receptiveness and influence outcomes in...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the concept of "Your vibe sets your tribe," and how the energy you bring into the world shapes the people you surround yourself with. We discuss the importance of authenticity, being intentional about the connections you cultivate, and how your vibe not only attracts like-minded individuals but also impacts your experience of life. Whethe...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice challenges the conventional label of "highly-selective" colleges and universities and offers a more accurate term: "highly-rejective." We explore the impact of rejection on students, the pressures of the admissions process, and why shifting our language can help create a healthier perspective on higher education. Join us as we discuss wh...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the metaphor of ducks gliding effortlessly on water to uncover the hidden struggles of gifted and talented high school students. While they may appear to have it all together on the surface, many of these students are paddling frantically beneath—battling perfectionism, executive functioning challenges, and the pressures of teenage life. We offer i...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores Arkansas’ position in the rapidly growing school choice movement, focusing on how the state is expanding access to private schooling through public funds. We discuss the LEARNS Act, which introduces education freedom accounts, and how Arkansas’s ambitious rollout sets it apart from other states. With data from FutureEd’s recent report , we break do...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice builds on our previous discussion of concurrent credit by taking a deeper look at the challenges and opportunities involved in making these programs accessible and high-quality for all students in Arkansas. Drawing from the 2024 Arkansas Concurrent Enrollment Report , we explore how geographical disparities, logistical hurdles, and varying course quality ca...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the concept of concurrent credit and its growing importance in Arkansas education. We break down what concurrent credit is and highlight the immense value it brings to students, schools, and families. From the dual benefits of earning high school and college credits simultaneously to the financial savings and confidence boost it offers, concurrent...

In this episode, ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the deep impact of food insecurity on students in Arkansas. We discuss how nearly 19% of households in the state struggle to access enough nutritious food and what this means for the well-being and academic success of children. We highlight the critical role of free and reduced-price meals in schools as a lifeline for many students...