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Listen Listen
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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New parents and pregnant Californians can now request the support of a doula through Medi-Cal, but for the program to succeed, the state needs to attract more birthworkers to the program.
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California’s proposed budget is $37.9 billion short, but maintains funding for K-12 schools, kids’ mental health, and community schools.
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Students throughout Los Angeles County returned to school today amid rising cases of COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses.
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Los Angeles County granted the first ever unicorn license to a local first grader last December with one caveat— first she had to find one.
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Every year we look back on the important stories of the past 12 months — and look ahead to the stories in the new year.
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As of 2023, people who get health insurance through Medi-Cal can get doula support for free. One problem: Most doulas have yet to enroll as providers.
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The district’s voluntary learning days provide child care, meals, and an opportunity for students to catch up academically.
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Educators say they can’t help students catch up if they’re not in the classroom and schools with lower average attendance can lose state funding.
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The longstanding public servant will spend her last year before retirement overseeing the board that steers the education of more than 400,000 students.
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Not every song came out in 2023, but that doesn’t make the act of discovery any less special.
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More than a dozen students talked to LAist about how music powered them through pre-calculus homework, helped them navigate the perpetual question of who you are in the world, and gave life “more vibes.”
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While you can always shop online — or go to your local library — these indie stores aim to make your holiday errands fun for all ages.
