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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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Los Angeles Unified School District Board candidate Kahllid Al-Alim apologized earlier this week for pre-campaign social media posts that endorsed assigning antisemitic literature to students, and for liking “graphic content.”
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Kahllid Al-Alim, running in Board District 1, apologized Monday for pre-campaign social media posts. The controversy could scramble the district’s most crowded school board race.
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The union had reached a deal in late January after being on strike for one day. As details of that agreement slowly emerged, many members urged leaders to go back to the bargaining table.
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The policy is intended to ease yearslong tensions from forcing traditional public schools to share space and resources with charter schools.
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California State University faculty are weighing an agreement that would increase pay and benefits. Many don't want to go back on strike, but others say the union can do better.
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Four challengers are running against incumbent Scott Schmerelson to represent the West San Fernando Valley and Studio City on the L.A. Unified board.
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With just two candidates, the race for the L.A. Unified board seat that represents communities from South L.A. to San Pedro will be settled on March 5.
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The pandemic made the district's existing challenges worse, including issues around enrollment, student learning, attendance, and mental health.
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Seven people are running to place 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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Four candidates are vying to replace Jackie Goldberg on the L.A. Unified board representing this unusually shaped district that stretches from Eagle Rock down to South Gate.
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Students and staff who test positive for the virus and have symptoms are still required to isolate.
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Just over half of faculty work part-time and more than half of CSU faculty do not have long-term job security.
