A Slice with 'Dice

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the concept of Microwins, introduced by Daron K. Roberts, and how it can revolutionize school leadership. By focusing on small, achievable victories, school leaders can build momentum, foster trust, and drive meaningful progress in their schools. From improving teacher morale to closing academic gaps and strengthening parent engagement, Microwins provide a practical framework for addressing challenges one step at a time. Tune in to discover how these small steps can lead to transformational change for educators, students, and communities.

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 unpacks the newly released Federal Strategic Plan for Advancing STEM Education and Cultivating STEM Talent and its implications for STEM school leaders. With a focus on equity, innovation, and collaboration, this five-year plan lays out a roadmap for inspiring the next generation of STEM thinkers and doers. Join us as we explore the plan's bold vision, its emphasis on building inclusive STEM ecosystems, and actionable steps for schools to align with national priorities. Whether you’re looking to deepen community partnerships, innovate in the classroom, or prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow, this episode offers insights and inspiration tailored to STEM educators and administrators.

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 school administrators can apply the principles of Paul Graham's essay "Founder Mode" to their leadership practices. Originally a concept from the tech startup world, "Founder Mode" emphasizes deep involvement, direct communication, and staying connected to the core mission. We'll discuss how these ideas can transform the way schools are led, making them more dynamic, responsive, and aligned with their educational vision.

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 school leaders can develop a metaphorical thicker skin when facing public scrutiny, criticism, and the challenges of making tough, sometimes unpopular decisions. We delve into four key strategies to help leaders stay grounded and resilient: owning decisions with confidence, not taking criticism personally, leaning on a strong support network, and keeping a long-term perspective. Whether you're navigating a tough moment or looking to strengthen your leadership, this episode provides practical insights and encouragement for leading with purpose and resilience.

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 takes a deeper look at the evolution of STEM to STEAM and why it’s time to go even further. While the addition of the arts was a critical step in integrating creativity into education, the use of acronyms like STEAM can sometimes limit our thinking by treating subjects as separate silos. Instead, we advocate for focusing on *creativity* and *innovation*—two concepts that transcend traditional subject boundaries and better reflect the skills students need to thrive in a complex, interconnected world.

Join us as we explore how creativity fuels scientific discovery, how innovation bridges disciplines, and why these two mindsets are more essential than ever for preparing students for the future. We’ll discuss how rethinking our language opens up opportunities for students to collaborate, experiment, and break free from the constraints of traditional academic categories. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply passionate about the future of learning, this episode will inspire you to rethink how we frame integrated education and encourage every student to tap into their creative potential.

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 delves into Joseph Renzulli's influential "three ring" model of giftedness, which defines giftedness as the intersection of above-average ability, creativity, and task commitment. While ability and creativity are often emphasized, this episode focuses on task commitment—the perseverance and determination to see challenges through to the end.

We discuss how task commitment can be nurtured in all students through environments that encourage effort, resilience, and learning from failure. Drawing from examples at ASMSA, we reflect on the importance of teaching students to become active learners who push past challenges rather than relying solely on their natural talents.

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 school leaders can move beyond the ineffective mindset of "If everyone would just..." and instead focus on generating genuine buy-in for school initiatives. By fostering engagement, creating spaces for open discussion, and building a shared vision, leaders can inspire their staff, students, and community to rally behind a common goal. We'll discuss practical strategies for turning resistance into enthusiasm and why real progress requires input and ownership from all stakeholders. Join us for a conversation on how to create lasting, positive change in schools.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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

As the holiday season approaches, the pressure to accept every social invitation can feel overwhelming. In this episode, ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice dives into a fascinating study by Julian Givi and Colleen P. Kirk that reveals why saying “no” to invitations is not only okay but often overanalyzed by those of us who feel guilty about declining. We’ll explore why hosts are more understanding than we think, how perspective-taking bias makes us misjudge the impact of our “no,” and why protecting your time is a gift to yourself and your relationships. Tune in for tips and insights that will help you set boundaries with confidence this holiday season.

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 hidden stress and anxiety high school seniors experience when asked about their college plans. While well-meaning, questions like "Where are you going to college?" can unintentionally add pressure, making students feel evaluated or uncertain about their future. We'll discuss why these questions are problematic, how they amplify existing stress, and offer more supportive alternatives for engaging seniors in conversations about their post-graduation plans. Tune in to learn how we can shift our focus and ease some of the pressure on students during this pivotal time in their lives.

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 dives into the Challenge Success 2024 Student Voices Report, which gathers insights from over 270,000 high school students across the United States. We explore the critical findings related to student well-being, engagement, and sense of belonging, highlighting how sleep deprivation, academic stress, and a lack of meaningful connection are impacting students today. We also discuss the disparities faced by marginalized groups and the importance of creating inclusive school environments where every student feels supported and valued.

For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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