A 1996-97 survey of 1,534 elementary and 1,650 secondary schools across the United States, both public and private, investigated current patterns in foreign language enrollment, languages and programs offered, curriculum design and content, teaching methods, teacher qualifications and training, and response to national reform issues. The study was designed to replicate a 1986-87 survey to reveal trends over a decade. A national portrait of foreign language education at the elementary and secondary levels is presented here, with highlights in each of the areas of inquiry. Common problems identified include funding shortages, inadequate inservice training, inadequate articulation, and shortage of teachers (elementary and secondary levels) and lack of quality materials and poor academic counseling (secondary level). An overall ten percent increase in elementary school language enrollments over the ten-year period was found, and level secondary enrollments. A number of positive trends were identified. Contains 9 references. (MSE)