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Listen Listen
Mariana Dale
What I cover
I explore and explain the forces that shape how and what kids learn from kindergarten to high school. Our K-12 education system has not always provided each child the same opportunities to succeed, but I believe all kids have the capacity to learn and find a meaningful place in the world.
My background
I started at LAist in 2019 as the early childhood reporter where I quickly realized that what we think of as education starts well before a kid steps into a classroom. Health, access to child care and nutritious food are a few of the many factors that shape young people’s lives. My reporting on the disparities in maternal mortality taught me that inequity can lead to deadly outcomes but also that there is a groundswell of community support pushing to change harmful systems.
I grew up in Arizona, where among other things, I reported on education, saguaro cactus and questions from people like you. I’m proud to mentor emerging journalists through Next Gen Radio and various education programs.
My reporting has earned a national Edward R. Murrow award, Hillman Prize and accolades from the L.A. Press Club and the Online News Association.
My goals
I want to help families navigate their child’s education, explore the challenges that prevent schools from creating an environment where all students can learn and highlight solutions.
Best way to reach me
I love to hear questions and ideas for stories about schools and the opportunities in our community for children to learn and grow. You can reach out by email at mdale@laist.com.
Stories by Mariana Dale
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Federal immigration agents detained 18-year-old Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz as he walked the family dog in Van Nuys in August.
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The Malibu City Council and Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board have approved a plan that separates resources, but it will take some time.
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Some teachers are making the switch from private preschools to transitional kindergarten. Others come from upper grades. Many are needed.
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High school principals nationwide report concern among students from immigrant families, bullying and absences tied to immigration policy and rhetoric in a new UCLA report.
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LAist turns to local booksellers and librarians for recommendations for young readers — from picture books to graphic novels and young adult titles.
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The majority of the budget cuts are made up of teachers, librarians and other school staff.
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Staff recommend heavy cuts, which represent about 16% of the district’s projected budget.
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California has made a new grade, transitional kindergarten, available for four-year-olds. LAist reporters spent a day in three schools to find out what students do in class.
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Hundreds of California schools won the National Blue Ribbon honor before the program ended in August.
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A state school advisory agency finds ongoing funding is needed to support public schools damaged by January’s wildfires.
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Lucille J. Smith Elementary was one of 31 California schools to be nominated as a National Blue Ribbon School.
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The Reseda high schooler has been in federal immigration detention since August.
