An overview of language instruction on the national level and specifically in Nevada during the late 1950's and the early 1960's reveals five major factors which contributed to the changing trends. The author discusses: (1) the new understanding of the nature of language, (2) changing philosophies and objectives, (3) modern foreign language and the national interest, (4) new methods and materials, (5) extended sequences in curriculum design. Graphs, tables, and lists of critical languages taught in public schools supplement the basic discussion. A section on the position of classical languages and a selected bibliography are included. [Not available in hard copy due to marginal legibility of original document.] (RL)