I lurk on a the British ELL (Early Language-Learners) forum-- it keeps my spirits up! Foreign-language teachers in Britain have the same uphill battle against common sentiment that English is the only language one needs in order to conduct global affairs. But there's simply much more governmental interest over there in counteracting the trend-- in ensuring that British kids of the future will at least be able to gab polyglottally with Euro partners.

Here's a current article which states that among todays secondary students, Johnny can read but he still can't speak. But simultaneously, looks like a ground swell may be underway due to great advances in teaching conversational FL at the primary level.