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Corey Alderdice

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A Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceFrom Rough Drafts to Runways: How Risk Beats PerfectionWhat if doing it “worst” is actually the smartest move you can make? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how perfectionism holds so many gifted students back from ever taking the first step. Drawing inspiration from the Wright Brothers—who technically built the worst airplane in the world simply because they were the first—Corey unpacks why getting something down on paper, however rough, is the true spark of progress. This episode is a reminder that history doesn’t remember the people who waited to get it perfect; it remembers those who were brave enough to go first....2025-07-2604 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceThe Five Faces of PerfectionismPerfectionism 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 unique challenges they face. It concludes with actionable advice for parents and educators to help gifted learners embrace imperfection and thrive both academically and emotionally.For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can al...2025-07-2408 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceFive Hidden Traps That Trip Up Selective College ApplicantsDon’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 Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow Alderdice on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.Learn more about ASMSA at asmsa.org/thrive.2025-07-1611 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceBuilding a Culture Teachers Stay ForWhat 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 University of Arkansas OEP study on teacher retention, this episode unpacks how small gestures and offhand comments can make or break a culture, and why leaders must be vigilant in showing people they matter long befo...2025-07-1207 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceArkansas Teachers: Retention Realities and What Comes NextA 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 this new statewide study, breaks down why compensation alone isn’t the silver bullet, and highlights how mentorship, workload balance, and thoughtful leadership can make the difference between a teacher staying or walking away. It’s an...2025-07-0907 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceThe 2025 Report Card: How Students Grade America’s SchoolsStudents 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 to the continued disconnect between classroom learning and real-world preparation, the results offer both encouragement and a clear call to action. This episode unpacks where schools are making progress, where they’re still falling short, and what...2025-07-0205 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceEnrollment Roulette: When Colleges Start Bidding LateJust 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 search—and what rising seniors in the Class of 2026 need to know as they prepare to navigate their own admissions journey.For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can a...2025-06-2805 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceFrom Silly to Signature: How MIT’s Pirate Certificate Reflects CultureEven 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 playful recognition might just be the secret ingredient for a vibrant, connected campus experience.For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow Alderdice on Twitter/X, L...2025-06-2507 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceSuccess Addiction: A Gifted Student’s DilemmaWhat 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 well-being, joy, and self-worth—especially in high-pressure academic environments. He offers reflections for students, parents, and educators alike on how to redefine success in more human, sustainable terms.For additional thoughts from Director Al...2025-06-2108 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceACT Rebooted: How to Ace the New FormatThe 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, clear-eyed advice for rising seniors who’ve been prepping with the old format, outlining exactly how students can adapt their strategies to thrive in this fresh approach to college admissions testing.For additional thoughts from Dire...2025-06-1809 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceConducting Schools: Navigating Noise and Staying on TempoIt’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 out the noise, staying aligned with your vision, and keeping students at the heart of every decision, no matter how loud the applause—or the criticism—might get.For additional thoughts from Director...2025-06-1405 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceNotes from the Quad: How to Turn Campus Visits into ClarityASMSA 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 students, and reflect on what really matters when choosing a college. Whether you’re touring in person or virtually, this episode will equip you with tools to turn your visits into informed, confident decisions.For additional thou...2025-06-1108 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceStrategic Stops: How to Invest Wisely in Your High School ActivitiesEver 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 high school is valuable, but emphasizes the importance of strategically stepping away from commitments that no longer serve you. Corey discusses how colleges favor depth over breadth and why deciding when to pivot is not a failure but a si...2025-06-0407 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceTurning Comparison into Inspiration: A Guide for Gifted StudentsComparison 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, focus on personal growth, and thrive in high-achieving environments.For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow Alderdice on Twitter/X, Lin...2025-05-2807 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceMoving Beyond Calculus: Why Statistics Needs Equal BillingCalculus 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 practical, real-world value Statistics offers in our increasingly data-driven society. Tune in to discover why broadening math pathways might be the smartest equation for students today.For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.co...2025-05-2106 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceJust Keep Digging: Thoughts for the Class of 2025In 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, determination, and persistence. Just as those gophers kept digging despite uncertainty, graduates are reminded that even unseen efforts can spark lasting impact.For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow Alderdice on Twitter/X...2025-05-1808 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceLawnmowers, Tigers, and Dolphins—Which Gifted Parent Are You?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, independence, and confidence. Whether you're feeling the pressure to push harder or wondering how much to step back, this episode offers thoughtful insight on raising gifted students with both strength and grace.For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.2025-05-1411 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceThe Hidden Weight of Every Ball You JuggleWe’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 most.For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow Alderdice on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.Lear...2025-05-0706 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceImpact, Risk, and Joy: The Heart of a Compelling College Admissions StoryWhat 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 a narrative that feels purposeful, cohesive, and true to who they are.For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow Alderdice on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Th...2025-05-0307 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceMake Three Mistakes and Call it ResearchMistakes 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 mistakes as powerful stepping stones toward innovation and progress.For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow Alderdice on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.Learn more about ASMSA at asmsa.org/thrive.2025-04-3004 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceWhy Do We "Unlearn" Creativity?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 that trend by creating environments where imagination is nurtured, innovation is expected, and students are encouraged to think boldly—even when the answers aren’t in the back of the book.For additional thought...2025-04-2307 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceThe Benefit of Breaking a Bone (Figuratively!)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, develops critical coping skills, and prepares students to independently navigate the less-structured world of college and beyond.For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow Alderdice on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.Le...2025-04-1906 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceAvoiding “Michael Scott” Moments in School LeadershipEver 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 transform their good ideas into genuinely positive experiences for their school communities.For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow Alderdice on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Thre...2025-04-1605 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceSTEM Starts Here: The Importance of Middle School Math AccelerationWhy 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 education levels all shape which students get to take Algebra I and Geometry early—and why that early access matters for long-term academic success. With a spotlight on Arkansas’ Senate Bill 604, Alderdice highlights how policy changes can help ensure all stud...2025-04-0907 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceEffort Builds Excellence: The Role of Friction in LearningWe 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 effort, highlighting how strategic struggle builds resilience, critical thinking, and deeper understanding. From AI-driven tools to digital distractions, we’ll examine where removing friction helps—and where it holds students...2025-04-0208 minA Slice with \'DiceA Slice with 'DiceWhy the “Let Them” Mindset Matters for SchoolsHoodies, 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 redirect their energy toward what really matters: student growth, learning, and emotional well-being.For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow Alderdice on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, In...2025-03-2906 min