Print PDF

Ohio Connections Academy Superintendent Honored for Outstanding Leadership and Excellence in Distance Learning 
 

United States Distance Learning Association Recognizes Ray Lambert with the Most Prestigious Leadership Award for Distance Learning 

OHIO (May 4, 2011)—Ray Lambert, superintendent of Ohio Connections Academy (OCA), a leading K-12 public eSchool, has been honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) with an award for "Outstanding Leadership by an Individual in the Field of Distance Learning." Lambert received the award last evening during a ceremony in conjunction with USDLA's 2011 National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the only recipient of the award in the online technology/pre K–12 category.

"As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we are honoring Ray Lambert as a leader in the industry," said Dr. John G. Flores, executive director of USDLA. "Ray and the staff of Ohio Connections Academy have raised the bar of excellence, and we are truly honored to recognize their contributions to distance learning."

USDLA Awards are the most prestigious distance learning awards. Presented annually to individuals and organizations, the Awards were created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and highlight instructors, programs and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online, videoconferencing, satellite and blended learning delivery technologies.

"Congratulations to Ray Lambert and every one of this year's award winners. USDLA takes great pride and responsibility in recognizing excellence and quality that benefits the entire industry. Through distance learning, education and training, we can provide access to the world's best award-winning opportunities for school children, connect higher education students globally and transform the lives and careers of working adults. We are truly on the edge of something great, and these winners clearly demonstrate and confirm the transformative power of distance learning globally," said Dr. Denzil Edge, president of USDLA.

Lambert is dedicated to student success, quality, continuous improvement and offering innovative learning options for Ohio students. He has led OCA since 2004, and under his leadership, the school has grown from 150 students in grades K–8 to more than 2,700 students enrolled in grades K–12. He also led OCA to achieve an "Excellent” rating on the 2009–2010 report card from the Ohio Department of Education, which demonstrates that students are making significant gains in academic achievement and the school is exceeding state standards for quality. OCA is the only eSchool in Ohio to be designated "Excellent."

In November 2010, Lambert was named School Leader of the Year by the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools (OAPCS). He received the award for increasing student achievement and enhancing the quality of education within Ohio's charter schools.

“Ray has focused relentlessly on the nuts and bolts of student achievement improvement: data, formative testing, individual learning plans and planning, and building a culture of dedication and excellence among his staff, who obviously connect with and are motivated by his leadership,” said Bill Sims, president and CEO of OAPCS. “We appreciate Ray as a professional role model for all charter school leaders in the state of Ohio, and most importantly, we applaud him for the success he has brought to thousands of K–12 students in Ohio. Ray is an outstanding leader, and the award from USDLA is a well-deserved honor.” 

“I proudly share the award from USDLA with every member of the Ohio Connections Academy team,” commented Ray Lambert. “The award reflects the dedication and hard work of our teachers and staff and demonstrates our commitment to raising student achievement and providing an exceptional learning environment for students throughout Ohio.”

In addition to Lambert's award, Connections Academy also was honored with a 21st Century Best Practice award and a Silver Best Practice for Distance Learning Programming award for the organization's earth science course. The awards illustrate that Connections Academy is a leader in distance learning and that the personalized learning approach, innovative use of technology for learning and flexibility are helping students achieve their maximum potential for academic and emotional success.

About Ohio Connections Academy

Ohio Connections Academy delivers a personalized public education that combines state-certified teachers, a print-rich curriculum, technology tools and community experiences. Teachers develop a personalized learning plan for each student, deliver instruction, evaluate assignments and work directly with students via the phone and Internet. An adult learning coach assists the student in the home with day-to-day activities. Because it is a public school, there are no costs for tuition, fees or supplies. The school loans each family a computer, reimburses them for an Internet connection and provides all curriculum materials—several large boxes per child of textbooks, workbooks and hands-on materials—that make up the core of OCA’s print-rich curriculum. For more information, visit www.ohioconnectionsacademy.com or call 800–382–6010.

About United States Distance Learning Association

The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a non-profit association formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-k–12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. http://www.usdla.org.