A student sketchbook is not a new idea. However, the appropriate application and assessment capabilities of the sketchbook are often overlooked. Historically, artists were trained via copying the works of master painters and draftsmen. In the same tradition, the author has infused the art curriculum with sketchbook copying exercises to improve student understanding of tried and true methods for mastering their technical skills. He has tried to strike a balance between using copying as an educational tool and avoiding impeding students' free artistic expression during advanced art class. This article describes how this teacher uses the sketchbook in his art classes.