What is the success rate for learning a second language in high school?

There's no single, universally agreed-upon "success rate" for learning a second language in high school. This is because "success" is defined differently depending on the goal. Someone might consider fluency success, while others might define it as achieving a certain grade, passing an exam, or simply gaining basic conversational skills. Furthermore, success depends on many factors, including:

* Individual aptitude and motivation: Some people naturally pick up languages faster than others. Motivation plays a huge role; if a student isn't interested, their progress will likely be slower.

* Instructional quality: The quality of teaching, curriculum, and available resources significantly impact learning outcomes.

* Learning environment: Opportunities for practice outside the classroom (immersion, interaction with native speakers) greatly influence success.

* Learning style: Different teaching methods suit different learning styles.

* Time spent studying: Consistent effort is crucial for language acquisition.

Studies that have attempted to measure high school language learning outcomes often focus on standardized test scores or placement in college-level courses. These studies generally show mixed results, with significant variability depending on the factors mentioned above. Some students achieve high proficiency, while others retain only minimal knowledge.

In short, there isn't a quantifiable success rate. The effectiveness of high school language programs varies widely, and individual student outcomes are highly dependent on numerous intertwined factors.