A Slice with 'Dice

Perfectionism can be both a gift and a challenge, especially for gifted students. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores insights from Katherine Morgan Schafler’s The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control , delving into how perfectionism manifests in five distinct ways. The episode unpacks how these types of perfectionism connect to the experiences of gifted students and the uniq...

Don’t let your dream college pass you by!  ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores why selective schools sometimes reject outstanding candidates, how factors like your location and academic rigor come into play, and how you can fine-tune your story to stand out in a sea of applicants. For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com . You can also follow him on Twitter/X , Li...

What does a Disneyland pass have to do with teacher retention? More than you might think. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how Shonda Rhimes’ headline-making departure from ABC over a seemingly trivial perk reveals deeper truths about respect, trust, and feeling valued—and why those same dynamics play out every day in our schools. Drawing a surprising parallel to the recent Univer...

A pay raise can catch attention—but it takes more than a bigger paycheck to keep teachers in the classroom. As Arkansas wrestles with teacher retention, the latest report from the University of Arkansas’s Office for Education Policy reveals both encouraging gains and stubborn challenges that local leaders can’t afford to ignore. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the findings of thi...

Students are turning the tables—and handing out the grades this time. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the findings of the 2025 Report Card: Student Perspective on U.S. Schools , a national survey from the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup that asks students in grades 6 through 12 to evaluate their own school experience. From the steady rise in satisfaction with core academics t...

Just when you thought it was safe to hit “submit” and move on… the merit aid emails came back.  ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the surprising late-spring scholarship surge from Syracuse University and what it signals about a shifting admissions landscape. In this episode, he breaks down how yield management, dynamic pricing, and delayed decision-making are reshaping the college...

Even the most elite campuses need a little nonsense now and then—just ask the MIT pirates. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how whimsical traditions like MIT’s Pirate Certificate create lasting campus culture, build community, and remind us that learning is about joy as much as achievement. Drawing lessons for specialized schools and beyond, this episode unpacks why a bit of playf...

What happens when achievement becomes an identity—and success turns into something we can’t stop chasing?  ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the idea of “success addiction” as framed by Arthur C. Brooks in The Atlantic and applies it to the lives of gifted and talented high school students. In this episode, Alderdice examines how the relentless pursuit of excellence can compromise...

The ACT is getting a major makeover in 2025—but is shorter really sweeter when it comes to standardized testing? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the significant changes rolling out for the ACT exam, breaking down the streamlined test format, the flexibility of optional sections, and the benefits these changes bring for students and colleges alike. Corey also offers practical, cle...

It’s tempting for school leaders to keep one eye on public approval, especially when every decision seems to spark strong opinions. But true leadership, like conducting an orchestra, means focusing on the people and work right in front of you—guiding with purpose, even when your back is to the crowd. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores why mission-driven leadership requires tuning ou...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how students and families can make the most of college campus visits. Inspired by Danielle C. Marshall’s The College Visit Journal: Campus Visits Demystified , we delve into practical tips for preparing, asking the right questions, and capturing the sensory experiences of campus life. We discuss how to engage with tour guides, connect with current...

Ever realize you're heading full-speed in the wrong direction but hesitate to jump off? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the wisdom behind the Japanese proverb, “If you get on the wrong train, get off at the nearest station,” applying it specifically to high school students navigating extracurricular activities. The episode dives into why trying numerous interests early in hi...

Comparison doesn’t have to be the thief of joy—it can be a spark for growth. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how gifted and talented students can turn the instinct to compare themselves to peers into a source of inspiration. Drawing on insights from Rick Hanson’s Resilient , the episode dives into the mindset shifts and practical strategies that help students build resilience, fo...

Calculus is often seen as the crown jewel of high school math—but what if that jewel isn't always as valuable as we've been led to believe? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores why Calculus holds such prominence in the math curriculum compared to courses like Statistics, examining the history, tradition, and perceptions fueling its favored status. He also highlights the prac...

In remarks to ASMSA's Class of 2025, Executive Director Corey Alderdice shares an inspiring reflection on resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of small actions. Drawing from the remarkable story of recovery at Mount St. Helens, where humble pocket gophers brought life back to a devastated landscape, he encourages graduates to face life's toughest challenges with courage...

Are you guiding your gifted child—or gripping the wheel too tightly? In this episode, ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how common parenting styles like helicoptering, lawnmowing, and tiger-parenting can unintentionally hinder gifted students’ growth. He offers a fresh look at balanced alternatives—like lighthouse and dolphin parenting—that help gifted kids build resilience, indepe...

We’ve all felt the pressure to keep every ball in the air—but what if some of them are okay to drop? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how gifted students can break free from perfectionism by learning to tell the difference between what’s urgent and what’s truly important, offering encouragement and perspective on how to manage stress, protect well-being, and focus on what matters...

What really makes a college application stand out when everyone has outstanding grades and test scores? It’s the story behind the numbers. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how community impact, healthy risk-taking, and genuine joy intersect to create a compelling and authentic application. This episode unpacks why balance matters in holistic admissions and how students can present...

Mistakes aren't just inevitable—they're essential. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how embracing thoughtful, intentional mistakes as "research" can transform school leadership and educational culture. He shares insights into why schools benefit when leaders model risk-taking, reflective practice, and growth, encouraging educators and students alike to see mist...

By the time we’re adults, most of us have unlearned the very thing that made us brilliant as kids: our creativity.  ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the groundbreaking research of George Land and Beth Jarman, which reveals how creativity peaks at age five and declines sharply as children move through traditional education systems. This episode unpacks how schools can counteract th...

Challenges aren't setbacks—they're setups for future success. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the insightful "Never Broke a Bone" Theory, highlighting why students need to encounter and learn from manageable hardships during their high school years. He discusses how experiencing academic or personal setbacks in a supportive environment builds resilience, devel...

Ever had a great idea for your school that ended up feeling more Michael Scott than Steve Jobs? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores why even the best intentions in school leadership can sometimes lead to unexpected—and awkward—outcomes. From playful team-building activities gone wrong to practical strategies for thoughtful planning and inclusive execution, this episode helps leaders...

Why are some middle schoolers racing ahead in math while others never get the chance to start the race? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the importance of expanding access to accelerated math courses in middle school and the consequences of unequal opportunity. Drawing on new research and current legislation, this episode examines how geography, economic segregation, and parental...

We live in a world designed for convenience—one-click shopping, instant answers, and seamless technology. But when it comes to education, could making things too easy be doing more harm than good? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores why friction isn’t just an obstacle to remove in learning, but a critical part of growth. This episode dives into the balance between efficiency and effo...

Hoodies, ripped jeans, and dyed hair—could letting these go actually help your school thrive? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how the "Let Them" theory, which advocates choosing trust and connection over control, can transform school culture, starting with dress codes. By focusing less on policing minor infractions and more on building relationships, school leaders can...