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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 moms Lulu Cheng and Lacey Benard bring new perspectives to children’s books that better reflect today’s multicultural kids.
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California’s deficit has increased, but K-12 schools are largely spared cuts in the governor's May revision.
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The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education is getting a new website and wants the public’s help to shape it.
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One incumbent, Tanya Ortiz Franklin, already held on to her District 7 seat. Three other school board races are headed to runoffs.
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Floriculture blends science, sustainability, financial literacy, and creativity. At Sylmar Charter High, the school’s gardens also invite a rare moment of calm in a hectic high school day.
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Thousands of people gathered in parks, schools, parking lots and observatories to witness the partial solar eclipse on Monday.
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A lawsuit filed Tuesday seeks to end a new Los Angeles Unified policy that limits charter schools can be located in the district.
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Voters approved $1 billion a year in new arts education funding, but there are questions about how districts are spending the money.
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From post-apocalypse classics to “mysterious and magical” graphic novels, here’s what the students at Octavia E. Butler Magnet are reading.
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The Pasadena middle school Butler graduated from now shares her name. A new generation of students is connecting with the late science fiction writer’s legacy, and difficulties.
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Students and families can learn about funky fungus, talk to an astronomer, create space-inspired art, and might even spot their favorite Star Wars character.
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Tens of thousands of people have tuned in to watch Jackie and Shadow’s Big Bear nest, including students from around the country.
