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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It’s the most powerful school board in the country. And it faces enormous challenges, including funding shortfalls, chronic absenteeism, and safety concerns. -
Scott Schmerelson was unanimously elected Tuesday to lead the LAUSD board after defeating a well-funded challenger in November’s election. -
With the vast majority of ballots tallied, most Southern California local school funding measures and the statewide bond, Proposition 2, are passing. -
Students are already thinking about how they’ll make a difference during Donald Trump’s presidency. -
We can’t tell you which schools to apply to, but we can share advice from parents who’ve been there before. -
Former principal Scott Schmerelson will retain his seat on the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education, representing Board District 3 in the West San Fernando Valley. -
The district’s expectation is that when students come back from Presidents’ Day weekend in February, the rollout will be finished at every school. -
Students will not be allowed to use cellphones, smartwatches, or earbuds on campus during school hours, though there will be exceptions. -
Hendy Newbill has decades of experience as a teacher, basketball coach and administrator at her alma mater Dorsey High School. -
These books all offer a window onto lives that are different from our own, but no less interesting, important or special.
