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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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A curated gift guide for kids and young adults, featuring picture books from Southern California authors and illustrators. But you'll love them, too!
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Detours push cars into neighborhoods already plagued by some of the worst air pollution.
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The 10 Freeway opens just over a week after a fire shut down a key stretch near downtown L.A.
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Norm Day is an annual student count that “strikes fear in the heart of administrators,” in the words of one LAUSD school board member.
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Rhode Montijo debuts a Día de los Muertos-inspired story told with just two words.
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Centinela Hospital Medical Center closes the labor and delivery ward on Wednesday amid declining demand for care and after the January childbirth death of a Black woman.
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Most students don’t meet state standards for reading, writing and math. Students scored slightly better in math compared to the previous year, but showed few gains in reading and writing.
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Los Angeles Unified School District board members said that circumstances had changed since the mandate was first implemented during the height of the pandemic.
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Traditional public schools and charter schools have been uneasy roommates on Los Angeles Unified School District campuses for decades— that could soon change.
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April Valentine’s partner and maternal health advocates say these consequences don’t yet amount to justice for her or other families harmed by the Black maternal health crisis.
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California is pumping more than $4 billion into before-, after-, and summer school learning programs, but expansion will take time.
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The victory came courtesy of a Louis Lappe walk-off home run.
