A Slice with 'Dice

What if an admissions decision wasn't a verdict but a catalyst for growth? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how reframing admissions outcomes from “no” to “not yet” can help students adopt a growth mindset. Drawing on insights from psychologist Carol Dweck, this episode challenges traditional views of rejection, emphasizing potential, perseverance, and continuous learning. Di...

The stress is real, the debt feels daunting, and dreams have a price tag—but today's high school students are still optimistic about their college journey. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the surprising insights from The Princeton Review's 2025 College Hopes & Worries Survey , highlighting students' evolving priorities, their complex relationship with standardi...

Closing the U.S. Department of Education might seem straightforward, but it’s far more complicated than many realize. Amid renewed discussions sparked by the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice unpacks why this popular policy talking point encounters such significant roadblocks . The episode explores the complex legal, financial, political, and ju...

March 12, 2020, began as an ordinary Thursday—but ended as a turning point that marked the beginning of a profound journey of resilience, adaptation, and innovation. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice reflects on the day the campus first addressed the looming COVID-19 pandemic and shifted instruction temporarily to remote learning. In this episode, Corey shares insights into how students and...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the fascinating world of overexcitabilities in gifted children—those heightened responses to life that make these students so unique. We'll delve into what overexcitabilities are, how they manifest in different ways, and why understanding them is crucial for supporting gifted children. From boundless energy and vivid imaginations to deep emoti...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores groundbreaking research on homework and its impact on student achievement, particularly in mathematics and science. The study reveals that frequent, short homework assignments are just as effective as longer ones, challenging the notion that more is always better. We also discuss how socioeconomic background surprisingly doesn't play a major r...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice dives into the transformative power of intrinsic motivation in education, exploring how fostering a love of learning can lead to deeper engagement, creativity, and long-term success. Drawing on insights from Larry Ferlazzo's The Student Motivation Handbook , we discuss the conditions teachers can create to inspire students from within, including autono...

Some memes are just jokes. Others are a wake-up call. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the viral Friggin’ Packet Yo meme and what it reveals about student frustration with passive learning. This episode dives into why the meme has stood the test of time, how memes serve as a raw and unfiltered form of student feedback, and what school leaders can learn from them. Instead of dismis...

Struggle isn’t a sign you’re not cut out for STEM—it’s proof that you’re on the right path. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how the way students perceive failure can shape their success in advanced STEM courses. Drawing on research from Dr. Xiaodong Lin-Siegler, this episode unpacks why learning about scientists’ struggles improves student motivation, how high-achievers define fa...

TikTok has found a new conspiracy theory—this time, it’s about gifted education. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the viral trend that claims GATE programs were secret government experiments, why these myths resonate with former gifted students, and what they get wrong about gifted education. More than just a wild internet theory, this conversation dives into the real misconceptio...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the concept of ganbatte , a Japanese philosophy of resilience and steady effort, as presented in Albert Liebermann’s book Ganbatte! The Japanese Art of Always Moving Forward . Applying these principles to the world of school leadership, we discuss how small, consistent actions, a focus on process over perfection, and a collective approach can help...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how Jeff Bezos' "Two-Pizza Rule," a principle that transformed Amazon's approach to teamwork, can be applied to educational leadership. By keeping teams small, focused, and empowered, school leaders can foster innovation, boost morale, and streamline decision-making. Discover how this simple yet powerful concept can reshape how...

Burritos, black beans, and biology class—who knew they’d have so much in common? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how “Chipotlefication” is changing the way students learn and choose their educational paths during National School Choice Week . Discover how customizable curriculums, guided by passionate educators, empower students to craft their future—one class at a time. For addi...

Think you control your college admissions fate? Think again. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the arbitrary factors that shape how applications are reviewed, from the timing of when your file is read to the mood of the admissions officer. Discover why randomness plays a bigger role than you might expect and how to focus on the parts of your application you can control. Alderdice o...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores why gifted students often find it difficult to ask for help, even when they’re struggling. We delve into the cultural and psychological factors that contribute to this reluctance, including perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to maintain a self-sufficient image. We’ll also discuss how educators and parents can foster an environment w...

What if your college major could prepare you for a career as a social media influencer? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the emergence of degrees tailored to the creator economy, starting with Arkansas Tech University’s new program in Digital Content Creation. From hands-on training in video production to lessons in digital ethics, these degrees are reshaping how higher education...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice unpacks the startling statistic that 1 in 11 Harvard undergraduates come from just 21 high schools. We explore the concept of "feeder schools," their outsized role in shaping access to elite universities, and the implications for students navigating the admissions process from non-feeder schools. From privilege and equity to strategies for levelin...

Advanced Placement (AP) courses can open doors to college and beyond, but is universal access enough to ensure equity? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the successes and challenges of Arkansas’s universal AP access policy, highlighting research that shows how these programs transform outcomes for students while still leaving gaps for underrepresented groups. This episode dives int...

Is Early Decision 2 (ED2) a strategic second chance or a panic move? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the emotional and financial risks of binding ED2 applications, especially for students still reeling from Early Decision 1 (ED1) rejections. This episode unpacks why ED2 can feel like a lifeline but often comes with hidden costs, urging seniors to slow down, reflect, and approach...

The summer between junior and senior year is a critical time for college-bound students to align their experiences with their future goals. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores why this summer is more than a break—it’s a chance for students to create meaningful opportunities that stand out in the competitive college admissions process. From passion projects to internships, camps, and...

It's a new year and the start of a new season! ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the intriguing phrase, "Speed is a number. Fast is a feeling," and unpacks its relevance to school leadership. Effective decision-making requires more than just data; it demands an understanding of the human stories behind the numbers. As leaders, we’re called to balance measurable outco...

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores why educators should check out FX’s documentary series Social Studies . Directed by Lauren Greenfield, the series dives into how social media, inequality, and politics impact students and schools. With resources like lesson plans and discussion guides available for teachers and parents, Social Studies goes beyond just watching— it’s an actionable t...

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...