This statement discusses issues surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) focus on the need for continued research on diverse aspects of language education. Background information and research on the need for second language instruction in the United States is reviewed, and recent initiatives from various sectors supporting the growth and improvement of foreign language education are described, including existing and proposed federal legislation. The low priority afforded research on language education is highlighted, and areas in which substantial research and program development are needed for improving classroom instruction are outlined. OERI's potential role in such research is discussed. (MSE)