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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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Dozens of school districts in L.A. and Orange counties are asking voters to approve $17 billion in funding to maintain and replace school facilities.
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Kahllid Al-Alim and Sherlett Hendy Newbill are vying to replace George McKenna to represent L.A.’s Mid-City, Crenshaw, Arlington Heights, and Westmont neighborhoods in the L.A. Unified board.
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Grace Ortiz and Karla Griego are vying to replace retiring LAUSD Board president Jackie Goldberg. The winner will represent a curiously shaped district that spans from Southeast to Northeast L.A.
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The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District asks Malibu voters to approve a $395 million bond through increased property taxes.
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The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District asks Santa Monica voters to approve a $495 million bond through increased property taxes.
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Los Angeles County mistakenly included two school bond measures on ballots bound for Santa Monica and Malibu, when each city should only have one.
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Superintendent Alberto Carvalho says the district has heard growing concern from staff, students and their families about the outcome of the presidential election.
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This guide is for parents and families that want to better understand the condition of their child’s school — and how to advocate to get it fixed.
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Today was LAUSD’s long-observed, long-reviled tradition, “Norm Day.” And it might have consequences for your child’s classroom as teachers get moved around.
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How schools keep kids cool as hot weather broils Southern California, and why they have class at allSome districts reduce their hours as temperatures stay over 100 degrees.
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Teeth from the largest sharks to ever live, a sabertooth salmon, and nearly 9 million-year-old fish bones are among several tons of fossils excavated during recent construction at San Pedro High School.
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Some SoCal schools are keeping students indoors during recess and have rescheduled games during this latest heatwave, but more comprehensive policies are in the works.
