But yes, in answer to your general question, a planner is great (indeed, necessary!) for EF challenged kids, but only if they learn to use it. Someone needs to help them learn to use it effectively and to develop the habits of relying on it.
This can be support from a special ed teacher at the end of the day (let's check your planner and make sure you bring home everything you need)-- but ideally it also requires buy-in from every teacher.
DS has had the requirement that each teacher inspect and sign what's written in his planner at the end of each class, so that he writes down the whole assignment and everyone knows what he is responsible for.
This cuts down on a lot of stress, once the child learns to do it. It does require that the teachers cooperate, though.
