Results of a survey of 1,416 elementary schools and 1,349 secondary schools concerning foreign language instruction are reported. The survey sought to provide a national picture of foreign language education in public and private schools by investigating demographics, the amount of instruction provided, enrollment, specific offerings, program type, scheduling and funding (elementary schools only), the existence of curriculum guidelines, materials, student participation in foreign language-related activities, sequencing, teacher qualifications and in-service training, and major problems. Survey results are presented in graphs accompanied by narration, and reveal that foreign language instruction is currently offered in just over 20% of the elementary and 87% of the secondary schools that responded. Twice as many private as public elementary schools and slightly more private than public secondary schools offer instruction. National attention needs to be focused on developing a more rigorous foreign language program beginning in earlier grades and continuing to the fluency level. Specific recommendations include establishment of new programs, particularly starting in elementary schools and aiming at high proficiency; more intensive programs; improvement of sequencing; addressing the major problems noted by teachers and administrators; and offering more programs in the less commonly taught major world languages. (MSE)