A Slice with 'Dice

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 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 Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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 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 students, regardless of background, have the chance to rise to the challenge.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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? 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 back. Tune in for a fresh perspective on why learning should challenge, stretch, and push students beyond their comfort zones—and why embracing a little friction might be exactly what they need.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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 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 Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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. Discover how a subtle shift in language can empower students, parents, and educators alike to embrace setbacks as vital steps on the path to success.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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 standardized tests, and why choosing a college is increasingly about fit over prestige.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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 judicial hurdles that would need to be overcome. You'll gain clarity on the nuanced roles played by Congress, the executive branch, and the judiciary, and why—even with strong political backing—shuttering the Department is anything but simple. 

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

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 educators rose to meet unprecedented challenges, harnessed the power of innovation, and emerged stronger than ever.

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 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 emotional experiences and heightened senses, these traits are a double-edged sword that can both enrich and challenge a child's life.

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 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 role in homework's effectiveness, offering hope that well-structured homework policies can benefit all students. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just curious about the homework debate, this episode uncovers new insights into how we can better support student success.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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