A rating scale was developed that could be used to test Raynor's construct of perceived instrumentality--that the perceived importance of a particular achievement (such as a good grade) to the student's future (career) influences the student's efforts to achieve the goal. The scale was developed to study the perceived importance of learning French as a foreign language for Canadian high school students. Four types of items were included: (1) the importance of French in achieving specific goals; (2) the enriching aspects of the French language in six common young people's activities; (3) the usefulness of French in these activities; and (4) the importance of French to future plans. The final, 20 item test was administered to groups of 151 and 333 students; reliabilities were .91 and .89. Test-retest reliability over a four-week period was .84. The validity of the scale was supported when perceived instrumentality was shown to be related to grades in a previous French course; probability of success in the present course; decision to take additional French courses; and decision to take the present French course if it had been optional. The scale was judged to be reliable, valid, and useful for further research. (GDC)