A Slice with 'Dice

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 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 sign of maturity and thoughtful decision-making.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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, focus on personal growth, and thrive in high-achieving environments.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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 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 Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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, 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 Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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 Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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 most.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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 a narrative that feels purposeful, cohesive, and true to who they are.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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 mistakes as powerful stepping stones toward innovation and progress.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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 thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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 Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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