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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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“Luceros y Penumbras” was born from L.A. artist Daniel González’s experiences growing up in Boyle Heights and visiting family in Mexico.
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LAUSD is spending more money than it brings in and the last three budgets relied on billions of dollars in reserves.
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Inglewood Unified entered receivership in 2012 amid a financial crisis.
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Norway’s historic World Cup performance has brought together Southern California’s relatively small, but spirited Norwegian community
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The nonprofit that supports Los Angeles Unified schools is distributing $100,000 to families near the Boyle Heights warehouse fire.
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A bill moving through California’s legislature would require schools to test kindergarteners' math skills.
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Andrés Chait is the first LAUSD insider to fill the top job in a decade after two high-profile external candidates.
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Andres Chait, a longtime district administrator, has held the job since February, when the board placed former Superintendent Alberto Carvalho on administrative leave.
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The policy sets up guardrails on the amount of time students should spend in front of a digital device.
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The district’s budget includes raises, smaller class sizes and additional mental health support for students, but leaders say future cuts are needed.
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The school board placed Carvalho on paid administrative leave in February following FBI searches of his home and office.
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The fiscal stabilization plan is expected to prevent a multi-billion-dollar deficit, but is likely to result in thousands of layoffs in the coming years.
