<p>My son just finished middle school. Bright kid who is less organized than anyone wanted. Had a huge problem with required notebook checks. Just never had everything lined up the right way and was never neat enough. Huge impact on grades.</p>
<p>At the end of the year, his science teacher told me that he is one of the brightest kids she’s taught, but that his particular learning style is completely auditory. Said that when left to listen to the lesson, choose when and what notes to take and is able to discuss content, he will be one of the top students. However if forced to copy exactly from the board while teacher is speaking, she would lose him every time. She is a NYC public school teacher and I defy anyone to say that she isn’t dedicated and engaged with each student. She gave us priceless insight into our son and it would have been no skin off her nose to just say “unacceptable notebook presentation” and leave it at that.</p>