A prognosis of the possible state of the art of language instruction during the 70's suggests that new programs combined with new media and different attitudes may save this facet of American education from extinction. A review of the golden decade in foreign language instruction, the 1960's, discusses the role of the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the gains made through the National Defense Education Act Programs (NDEA). An appeal to colleges stresses the need to develop relevant, new curriculum. The secondary schools are urged to utilize new media, consider limiting course objectives, and implement individualized instruction. (RL)