
Mariana Dale
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. How can schools create an environment where all students can learn? How do families navigate their child’s education amid life’s other challenges?
I started at LAist in 2019. My time on the early childhood beat helped me understand just how many factors shape kids’ lives, from health to child care access.
I grew up in Arizona where, among other things, I reported on education, saguaro cactus, and questions from people like you. My stories on the state’s 2018 teacher strike contributed to a national Edward R. Murrow award.
I want to hear from parents, educators, and students about what’s happening in their schools — the successes and challenges.
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A curated gift guide for kids and young adults, featuring picture books from Southern California authors and illustrators. But you'll love them, too!
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Detours push cars into neighborhoods already plagued by some of the worst air pollution.
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The 10 Freeway opens just over a week after a fire shut down a key stretch near downtown L.A.
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Norm Day is an annual student count that “strikes fear in the heart of administrators,” in the words of one LAUSD school board member.
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Rhode Montijo debuts a Día de los Muertos-inspired story told with just two words.
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Centinela Hospital Medical Center closes the labor and delivery ward on Wednesday amid declining demand for care and after the January childbirth death of a Black woman.
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Most students don’t meet state standards for reading, writing and math. Students scored slightly better in math compared to the previous year, but showed few gains in reading and writing.
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Los Angeles Unified School District board members said that circumstances had changed since the mandate was first implemented during the height of the pandemic.
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Traditional public schools and charter schools have been uneasy roommates on Los Angeles Unified School District campuses for decades— that could soon change.
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April Valentine’s partner and maternal health advocates say these consequences don’t yet amount to justice for her or other families harmed by the Black maternal health crisis.