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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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The Department of Education accuses the district of maintaining a policy that “automatically” reassigns teachers to other schools when they are accused of sexual misconduct.
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The incumbent and challenger for District 4, which represents L.A.'s Westside, disagree on charter school co-location and the board's decision to eliminate hundreds of jobs.
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Seeking to represent parts of downtown and East L.A., the candidates for District 2 find their greatest disagreement over the issue of charter school co-location.
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Incumbent Kelly Gonez, who is running unopposed, has expressed a commitment to early education and climate readiness for District 6, which represents the San Fernando Valley.
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Organizers rallied at MacArthur Park and other events around Southern California under the banner, “Solo El Publo Shuts it Down.”
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As schools age, the requests for modernization funding exceed the funding available.
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Southern California and national organizers are calling on the community to abstain from work, school and shopping Friday.
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The district is hosting a series of meetings to gather feedback through mid-May.
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On Friday evening, members of UTLA and AALA/Teamster overwhelmingly approved new contracts.
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The unions representing teachers, support staff and school principals have called off Tuesday’s strike.
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Educators are expected to honor picket lines Tuesday if a deal can't be reached with the union that represents school support staff.
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Late negotiations have yet to secure a deal. If teachers, support staff and principals walk out, school will shut down for about 400,000 students.
