Multicultural education in the American school system has become more pragmatic with the rich nature of globalization. As global technology increases exponentially, our world has become smaller, increasing the need for global communication skills and cultural sensitivity. However, America's schools face pressures from budget cuts, test scores, educational bureaucracies and looming closures. For many schools, foreign language teaching has been put on the back burner. According to the results of a national survey of elementary and secondary schools conducted in 2008, foreign language teaching fell from 31% of elementary schools in 1997 to 25% in 2008. Secondary schools experienced a decline of 7 %, increasing from 86%. at 79% (Rhodes 3). School administrators and school boards struggle to weigh the high costs of foreign language education against the needs of other core (English, literature, mathematics, natural sciences) and elective (music, physical education, arts, social sciences), while many parents, professionals, and academics claim the value that foreign language education brings to a child's life in terms of cognitive reasoning and cultural sensitivity. The debate over the necessity of foreign language teaching leaves much to consider; from how learning a language from an early age affects a child's ability to learn and analyze situations, to what is sacrificed or not learned, over time , the energy and money devoted to the teaching of foreign languages; from a deeper understanding of other cultures and diversity, to the student's exact mastery of the second language and its usefulness later in life. Making the case for cognitive benefits...... middle of article..... .er Education. The Chronicle, April 18, 2010. Web. January 29, 2012. Rhodes, Nancy C. “Foreign Language Teaching in American Schools: Results of a National Survey of Elementary and Secondary Schools” Foreign Language Annals v44 n2 p258-288 Sum 2011. 31 pp. Educational Resources Clearinghouse. Internet. February 13, 2012. Summers, Lawrence H. “What You (Really) Need to Know.” » Editorial. The New York Times. The New York Times, January 20, 2012. Web. February 2, 2012. Thomas, David. “Why do English people need to speak a foreign language when foreigners all speak English?” » Editorial. Online mail. Daily Mail and General Trust plc, January 23, 2012. Web February 2, 2012. Trudeau, François and Roy J Shephard. “Physical education, school physical activity, school sports and academic performance. » International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2008): n. page. Internet. February 16 2012.