In a study I undertook in 1989, I found that 12 percent of the elementary and middle school magnet programs in my sample specialized in
basic skills and / or individualized teaching; 11 percent offered foreign
language immersion; 11 percent were science -, math -, or computer - oriented; 10 percent catered to the gifted and talented and 10 percent to the creative and performing arts; 8 percent were traditional, back - to -
basics programs (demanding, for instance, dress codes and
contracts with parents for supervision of homework); 7 percent were college preparatory; 7 percent were early childhood and Montessori.
It is a guide not only to
language but also to layout, with a section detailing
basic design principles to enhance the readability of documents such as
contracts.