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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With a majority of votes counted in L.A. County, candidates in two of the three open seats on the LAUSD school board appear to have solid leads. -
Proposition 2 allocates $8.5 billion of projects for K-12 public schools and $1.5 billion at community colleges. -
Sherlett Hendy Newbill and Kahllid A. Al-Alim vie for an open seat on L.A. Unified's school board. -
Graciela 'Grace' Ortiz and Karla Griego face off to win an open seat on the L.A. Unified school board.
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Nine school districts are seeking billions of dollars in bond funding in Orange County.
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Measure US is the largest bond ever proposed in the LAUSD.
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Incumbent Scott Schmerelson faces off against Dan Chang.
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More than two dozen school districts are seeking billions of dollars in bond funding in L.A. County.
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Decenas de distritos escolares en los condados de Los Ángeles y Orange están pidiendo a los votantes que aprueben $17 mil millones en fondos para mantener y reemplazar las instalaciones escolares.
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Los Angeles author and artist Rhode Montijo’s newest picture book takes readers on another (mis)adventure through the Día de los Muertos-inspired land of Skeletown.
