A Slice with 'Dice

Corey Alderdice

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice shares personal reflections, lessons learned, and insights from the ever-evolving world of education in Arkansas and beyond.

  1. 11H AGO

    "Surf Dracula" and Why Students Need to Catch Waves Early

    Prestige TV has given us a new metaphor for education: Surf Dracula. The idea comes from a viral critique of shows that delay their own premise—spending entire seasons on backstory before ever letting the main character do the thing the audience tuned in for. In education, we fall into the same trap when students are told to sit through endless setup before they ever get to “surf” for themselves. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how the Surf Dracula problem shows up in classrooms, why delayed payoff can leave students disengaged, and how educators can create opportunities for students to catch waves of authentic learning earlier and more often. For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com. You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

    6 min

  2. 4D AGO

    The Largest AP Course Launch in History — And Why It Matters

    In its first year, AP Precalculus drew over 184,000 students — the largest launch in AP history — and reached learners often left out of advanced math. It’s opening doors for first-generation, Black, Hispanic, rural, and later-starting students who didn’t take Algebra I or Geometry in middle school.  ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how the course is reshaping the calculus pathway. For younger students, it’s a springboard to AP Calculus and other STEM classes; for seniors, a rigorous capstone that builds confidence before college. Teachers praise its design, accessibility, and real-world impact, marking AP Precalculus as more than a new course — it’s a redefinition of who gets to pursue higher-level math. For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com. You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

    8 min

  3. SEP 10

    Therapy Language and Social Media: The Double-Edged Sword

    The language of therapy is everywhere — from TikTok feeds to hallway conversations. Young people are learning to name their feelings and advocate for themselves like never before. But with that new vocabulary comes a risk: overgeneralizing, self-diagnosing, and shutting down dialogue before it starts.  ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the double-edged sword of gaining mental health frameworks through social media — how it empowers, how it complicates, and what it means for educators, parents, and students to use this language wisely. For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com. You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

    7 min

  4. SEP 6

    How “Brag Sheets” Help Your Recommenders Help You

    Recommendation letters can make or break a college or scholarship application, yet many fall flat simply because the recommender doesn’t have enough detail to work with. That’s where a brag sheet comes in. In this episode, ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the purpose of brag sheets, what to include, and how they transform vague, generic letters into powerful, personal endorsements. From highlighting academic interests and extracurricular impact to sharing character traits and future goals, a brag sheet gives teachers and mentors the stories they need to make a student’s application stand out. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or an educator, this conversation will help you see brag sheets not as busywork, but as one of the most effective tools in the admissions process. Brag Sheet Template for Students Brag Sheet Guide for Educators and Mentors For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com. You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

    8 min

  5. SEP 3

    Equity, Law, and the Future of Selective Admissions High Schools

    The debate over admissions at selective public high schools has never been more urgent. With cases like Thomas Jefferson High School in Virginia and Stuyvesant High School in New York drawing national attention, the question remains: how do these schools balance excellence with equity in an era where traditional methods are under legal and cultural scrutiny? ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores how selective schools can navigate the fallout of recent court decisions, why “merit” must be redefined beyond test scores, and how opportunity—not just talent—should guide the future of admissions. For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com. You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

    10 min

  6. AUG 30

    First Month Finished: A Gifted Parent’s Moment to Connect

    The first month of school is when excitement gives way to routine, and for gifted students that often brings a mix of confidence, pressure, and hidden struggles. In this episode, ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice reflects on why now is the right time for parents to pause and check in with their students. He explores how families can open space for honest conversations about academics, friendships, and well-being—not as an interrogation, but as an invitation to share and be supported. For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com. You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

    6 min

  7. AUG 27

    Is This the Best Year in a Decade to Apply to the Ivies?

    For the first time in years, the Ivy League admissions cycle may actually feel a little less brutal. Shifts in international enrollment, standardized testing, and demographics are reshaping the landscape — and the Class of 2026 could be in a better position than recent applicants. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores why this year’s high school seniors might face slightly improved odds: International enrollment is projected to decline due to visa restrictions, leaving more seats for domestic students. Six of eight Ivies (and most top-25 universities) have reinstated SAT/ACT requirements, shrinking the applicant pool and giving strong test-takers a clearer edge. The “enrollment cliff” from declining birth rates after the 2008 recession means fewer high school graduates nationwide, leading to smaller applicant pools and higher admit rates. While acceptance rates remain low, early data suggests a turning point: applications are leveling off, some Ivy admit rates ticked upward, and schools are even expanding class sizes. For seniors and families, that means the timing may be better than it has been in a long time to take their best shot. For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com. You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

    9 min

  8. AUG 23

    Why Readiness Is a Choice, Not a Feeling

    The beginning of a school year can feel overwhelming — new classes, higher expectations, and the pressure to be perfectly prepared. But waiting to “feel ready” only delays growth. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores why readiness is not about certainty or perfection but about choosing to step forward, even when doubts remain. For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com. You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

    6 min
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About

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice shares personal reflections, lessons learned, and insights from the ever-evolving world of education in Arkansas and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    Corey Alderdice
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Corey Alderdice
  • Show Website
    A Slice with 'Dice

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