No one “learns” a foriegn language in high school. The purpose of the language requirement is to make sure foriegn language teachers are hired. Nothing more, nothing less.

Gonewiththewind, as a current Spanish teacher, I would have to say that at least half of what you say is true; no one “learns” a foreign language in high school. However, since foreign language requirements are almost extinct, well… Unfortunately, few people are willing to do what it takes to actually learn a foreign language and certainly not in high school. Besides, the education powers that be will not allow the really effective strategies to be used because they just don’t “schedule well.”