(in)direct question after the copula

The question is how we improve our French.

The question is how we can improve our French.

These are indirect questions and they take the normal word order and end without the question mark. The clauses beginning with question words can act as subjects, objects, complements or adverbials.

E.g. Do you know what she wanted? (object)

This is how much I did so far. (Complement)

How you divide up the money is your business. (subject)

I'd like to know how much it is.