Step 4: Participating in the Observation Cycle

The observation is an interactive process with clear steps for you to follow. It is one of the primary ways evidence is collected for your evaluation.

The "Why" Behind the Observation Cycle

For You, the Teacher: The observation cycle is your opportunity to showcase your teaching practice in action. Your active participation—responding to pre-conference prompts and self-evaluating evidence after the observation—provides critical context and your professional perspective. This interaction is a required part of the evaluation process.

For Your Evaluator: The observation is a primary method for your evaluator to collect direct evidence of your teaching. They will take scripted notes, code them against the instructional rubric, and use this evidence to inform their scoring. The entire cycle, from pre-conference to final report, is designed to create a rich, evidence-based picture of your practice.

How to Participate in the Cycle

1. Prepare for the Pre-Conference: When an observation is scheduled, go to the **Observations** tab. Find the upcoming observation, respond to the prompts from your evaluator, and share your responses before your meeting.
2. Prepare for the Post-Conference: After the observation, your evaluator may share their notes and ask you to self-evaluate the evidence they collected. This is your opportunity to add your perspective.
3. Acknowledge the Final Report: After the post-conference, your evaluator will send a final report. Your last step is to review it and click the button to acknowledge that you have received it.

Best Practices for Success

• Be Thorough in Prompts: Your written responses in the pre-conference set the stage for the observation. Provide clear, detailed answers.
• Engage in Self-Evaluation: When your evaluator shares evidence, take the time to score it from your perspective. This provides a valuable point of comparison and discussion.
• Communicate: The observation cycle is designed to be a conversation. Use the tools in eVAL and the conference meetings to engage in a professional dialogue about your practice.
• Acknowledge Promptly: Acknowledging the final report closes the loop on the observation cycle in the eVAL system.