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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 divisive 4-3 vote approves the issue of preliminary layoff notices to more than 3,000 employees.
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In meeting materials posted late Friday night, the district proposed giving notice to thousands of employees and closing hundreds of additional positions.
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A teacher's dismissal has spurred protests and raised questions about whose responsibility it is to ensure safety as students exercise their First Amendment rights.
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Educators and parents have urged district leaders to delay cuts to school and administrative positions.
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The young activists say they’re walking out to stand up for their friends, their families and those who’ve lost their lives at the hands of federal agents
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More walkouts are planned in the San Fernando Valley on Friday.
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There’s still time to explore one of Los Angeles Unified School District’s magnet schools, charter or dual language programs.
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The vote does not guarantee teachers will walk out this semester. First the union must exhaust all steps of the collective bargaining process.
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Robert King’s classroom survived the Palisades Fire, but the collection of memorabilia he used to bring the story of our country alive to his students did not.
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The Palisades Fire destroyed 30% of the campus, including 36 classrooms, storage facilities and the football stadium.
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The majority of Long Beach students must turn off and store their electronic devices in their backpacks for the entire school day.
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The school district worked with the maker of its beloved coffee cake to craft a vegan pastry.
