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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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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.
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Los Angeles researchers will study the connection between chronic absenteeism and school wellness centers for the next five years.
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California schools must monitor temperature and adjust practices and games accordingly to keep student athletes safe.
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When health researchers looked at the outcomes of students after they visited L.A. school health clinics, they found attendance stabilized or improved — particularly for students who sought mental health treatment.
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There are all kinds of ways to engage with your child's education, whether you have only a little time or a lot.
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The former hurdler, now a Culver City track coach, is among 10 athletes who will receive reallocated medals at the Paris Olympics this week.
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The Los Angeles Unified School District voted unanimously put a bond that would pay for school repairs and upgrades to voters.
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Los Angeles County districts have until August 9 to decide whether to ask local voters to approve bonds and parcel taxes.
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Water polo player Max Irving and track athlete Rachel Glenn are among the more than 30 Olympians that have graduated from Wilson High School in Long Beach.
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Ideas of where you and your little ones can go to explore California’s Indigenous history and present-day culture.
