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 childcare 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.
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Parents say there's lots to appreciate about how school districts in Los Angeles have responded to the fires. But their patience is not infinite. -
The nation's second largest school district has been closed since Thursday as fires spread around the Los Angeles area. -
All Los Angeles Unified schools, child care and adult education centers will be closed through Friday, Jan. 10. -
Test scores are only one measure of what happens inside a school. Here’s what to look for to find the best fit for your child. -
As multiple fires burn across the Los Angeles area, several districts that hoped to be open by now have stayed shuttered. -
LAPD suspends resident visits to fire area as search for more bodies continues. The fire, which has killed 11 people, has burned through more than 23,500 acres. -
The LAist education team this year worked to bring nuance to difficulties the state faces, and shine a light on solutions that can fly under the radar. Here's some of what we learned along the way. -
Select theatres are showing singalong screenings of the beloved Broadway musical through Jan. 2, and we had to go see one. -
After a month of reminders that “silence is golden,” theaters are inviting audiences to join the chorus -
For more than 30 years, the California Science Center has worked to build a pathway for local teens to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
