A Slice with 'Dice

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 …

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 o…

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 Dem…

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 wr…

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 themse…

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 Calcu…

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 rem…

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…

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 perfecti…

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 commun…

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 e…

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 Ge…

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…

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…

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 acceler…

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? AS…

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 tru…

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…

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 ex…

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 (DO…