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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Palisades Charter High School plans to temporarily move students to a former Santa Monica department store while elementary students share campuses. -
There are at least 63,000 students with disabilities in the Los Angeles Unified School District, and many may be exempted from the district’s restrictive cellphone policy. -
Trainers have to win their way into the competition and prospective spectators will need a bit of luck. -
Educators are working through how to improve outcomes for Black students as the federal government seeks to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs. -
The Los Angeles Unified school board voted Tuesday on a three-year school calendar that maintains longer breaks. -
The proposal carves out a full week for optional school days during the winter break. -
The Pasadena Unified School District board of education voted Thursday to cut the full-time positions in response to continued enrollment problems. -
Compton Unified recently unveiled a new fleet of electric school buses, but the fate of funding promised for other schools is unclear under the Trump administration. -
All Los Angeles Unified campuses are now 'phone free' during the school day, and students say they’re seeing fewer devices. -
The school district’s ban on cellphones and social media is months in the making. Whether it works remains to be determined, but here's what we do know.
