One way in which principals collect evidence and performance data is through the practice of observations. This part of the chapter provides information about the steps that are required for the principal to schedule a formal or an informal observation.

The observation process in eVAL begins with the principal.

1. When signing into eVAL, click on the Options link.
2. Use the pull-down menu for the Work Area to Evaluate Teachers.
3. Click on the green Done button

1. Use the drop-down menu to select the teacher who you will observe.
2. Click on the Observation menu on the left. A green marker will appear next to the word Observations.

The list of observations that have been scheduled, started or completed for this teacher will appear on the right. The image below shows what the window looks like the first time a principal schedules an observation for this teacher. Once s/he schedules observations, the page will be populated with the observations that have been scheduled. To schedule an observation, click on the green button called Add Observation.

A pop-up screen will appear, asking you to select the type of observation you would like to schedule.

• For the purposes of using eVAL, a formal observation includes the three events around a complete observation cycle: the pre-conference, the observation, and the post-conference.
• An informal observation includes the observation only, such as a walk-through.

For the purpose of this user guide, we will choose Formal.

The work space for the Observation Setup tab will appear.

1. Enter the title of the observation.
2. If this is an informal observation, no sections for a pre-conference or a post-conference will appear in the window; however, there will be green buttons that allow you to add those events. If this is a formal observation, there will be sections in this window for a pre-conference and a post-conference. In this case, find the Pre-Conference section of the window, click on the calendar icon and navigate to the month for the pre-conference. Click on the specific date of the pre-conference.
3. Select your start time for the Pre-Conference. Use the up and down arrows if desired, and change the AM/PM setting if needed.
4. Make sure you click on the green SAVE button that appears under each time field.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for the Observation.
6. Insert the number of minutes that denote the length of the observation.
7. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for the Post-Conference.

Remember to click on the green SAVE button for the time you set for the three events. If you forget, the teacher won't be able to see the dates and times for the three observation events.