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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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The rainbow pride flag at the center assault near Lake Arrowhead is one sign of an increasingly visible LGBTQ+ community in the San Bernardino mountains — which is now processing what happened and what it means.
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Transportation, illness, family responsibilities, and the absence of teacher relationships can keep kids out of class.
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As a new school year starts, students, families, and educators are untangling academic, mental, and social-emotional challenges.
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Goldberg, 78, announced she will not run for re-election in 2024.
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The Antelope Valley team has competed in the Solar Car Challenge competition since 2015. Students say the experience is life changing.
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It wasn't the sweltering temperatures, though — the organizing staff all got sick.
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In the next two years, every 4-year-old in California will be eligible to attend transitional kindergarten at their local public school, but charters are not required to offer the program.
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The California Department of Public Health found Centinela Hospital Medical Center failed to meet some federal health care standards which "caused" or were "likely to cause" serious injury, and even death.
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At the end of the 2022-2023 school year, we're profiling students who fought for something they believed in and made a difference.
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The violence Tuesday night was the second clash in a week in the L.A.-area over LGBTQ+ issues in local schools.
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The district and unions representing teachers and support staff agreed to retain a three-week winter break, and add additional instructional days.
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The Los Angeles Unified School District has expanded transitional kindergarten two years ahead of a state mandate to open the program to every 4-year-old.
