A Slice with 'Dice

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, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

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 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 before they decide to walk away.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

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 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 essential conversation for anyone preparing to guide schools into the new year.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

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 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 students really want from their education.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

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 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 Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

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 playful recognition might just be the secret ingredient for a vibrant, connected campus experience.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

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 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 Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

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, 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 Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

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 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 Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

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 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 thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.