The adult English as a Second Language (ESL) program in Faribault, Minnesota developed from a state-mandated Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, but the Faribault Program does more than the mandate requires. Directors, instructors, and community members come together to meet the needs of ESL learners through community engagement, alternative teaching methods, and collaborative efforts with employers. Cassandra Ohnstad is the Program Director, and she structures the program to meet the needs of immigrants and refugees, primarily Somalis who constitute 90% of the immigrant population and whose presence has been increasing over the years. Both, Ohnstad and previous director Yesica Louis, were a part of the Faribault public school system, and it is their experiential knowledge that has helped them successfully run the program. Currently, Faribault’s ESL Program enrolls 470 students, and students hear about the program primarily through word of mouth.

Due to financial constraints, the Faribault ESL program provides only three levels of classes, condensing the six levels of the National Reporting System (NRS) for Adult Education standards. Still, the lowered cost of fewer classes allows for more flexibility in the curriculum. Upon finishing, students can choose to pursue their General Education Development (GED), an Adult Diploma Program (ADP), or other college preparation courses. The curriculum’s diversity and rotating schedule allows students to join classes anytime regardless of their language proficiency level. Program staff modify the curriculum annually to account for changing student demographics and needs.

“If there is an issue, we will address it, and our participants know that.”

 Ohnstad has an open door policy and encourages participants to be forthcoming with any issues they may have with the program. She places an importance on having a diverse staff to ensure any and all people feel welcomed. She also cooperates with local businesses and educational institutions to increase participation. Ohnstad encourages employers to allow their employees to attend classes if they have limited work hours. Both groups assess the needs of students and businesses to determine how best to help students gain upward mobility in the workforce. The availability of volunteers allows instructors to provide hands­-on and individualized education. Ohnstad screens all potential volunteers through an intense interview process and requires them to complete Minnesota Literacy Council training. This screening ensures highly competent and committed volunteers for the program.

Community engagement constitutes an important part of the program’s focus. Middle school students in the Falcons for Change Program volunteer for the ESL Center once a month. Many of the middle-school students have parents in the ESL program, and they are able to request their parents’ class to volunteer in. The Education Centre also has a rentable space in which different activities are held, and Cassandra encourages members to host events there. These interactions create better ties with members of the community. The Faribault ESL program’s community-oriented approach has received attention from the state of Minnesota, which considers Faribault’s program a model for other ESL programs throughout the state.