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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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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.
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There are about 1,800 deaf and hard of hearing students in the district.
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In the early months of the pandemic, researchers estimated about one-in-three LAUSD households lacked devices or a broadband connection.
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L.A. Unified's board approved an $18.4 billion budget that avoids layoffs and continues to fund raises and class size reductions despite the expiration of billions in federal pandemic relief funding.
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The Los Angeles Unified School District’s proposed budget maintains staffing, mental health support and continues to reduce class sizes despite the end of federal pandemic relief funding.
