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Listen Listen
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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Hundreds of California schools won the National Blue Ribbon honor before the program ended in August.
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A report from a state school advisory agency finds ongoing funding is needed to support public schools damaged by January’s wildfires.
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Lucille J. Smith Elementary was one of 31 California schools to be nominated as a National Blue Ribbon School.
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The Reseda high schooler has been in federal immigration detention since August.
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Hundreds of Los Angeles Unified School District schools will start serving supper to anyone 18 and under.
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We’ve compiled a list of resources throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties to help fill the gap while the federal shutdown continues.
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Fewer students are enrolling at schools throughout the state, particularly in areas with high costs of living like Los Angeles, which means a future with even less money.
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An effort to bring free clothes, toiletries and a sense of normalcy to girls displaced by January’s fires now has a physical home in Old Town Pasadena.
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PUSD plans to enact tens of millions of dollars in budget cuts next school year to stave off outside intervention.
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LAUSD test scores improve again, exceeding pre-pandemic performance. Here’s what parents should knowThe district reports the scores in all subjects and grade levels now meet or exceed pre-pandemic grade levels, and several student groups are outpacing their peers statewide.
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In a world where even toddlers are increasingly on screens, local graphic designer Meeta Panesar has created a print magazine that invites readers to explore the world and their own creativity.
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Families say the process of choosing a school for their child is bewildering, overwhelming and anxiety-driven. So we made a guide to help.
