After squandering a precious half-year that resulted in putting $75 million of federal education dollars at "high risk," Hawaii’s teachers union and the state are slowly steering back on track to realize the funds and lofty goals. But it will not be easy, and all stakeholders must keep progress in focus and egos in check if Hawaii’s educational system is to redeem itself with success.

Last week’s tentative resolution of a new contract for the Hawaii State Teachers Association signals the all-important shift toward new teacher evaluations and performance-based pay raises. Those are key components that recognize the need to abandon outdated practices and join dozens of other states that have accepted today’s classroom necessity.

HSTA leaders had balked at Gov. Neil Abercrombie administration’s "last, best and final" contract offer over the past six months, miring progress and morale in a tedious series of contentious hearings before the state Labor Board. Abercrombie’s unilateral implementation of a labor pact that was not put to teacher union members for ratification was both extraordinary and necessary — but backfired. At issue was a contract that included a 5 percent pay cut, a 50-50 split in health insurance contributions, and teacher evaluations. Under the proposed settlement, set for a ratification vote Thursday, teachers would get four extra days off through June 2013 — how those are funded, structured and affect a state law mandating minimum classroom hours will deserve careful scrutiny.

Also, in a letter to members, HSTA President Wil Okabe acknowledged that a new salary schedule would be adopted in July 2013 on the basis of each teacher’s "overall performance evaluation." That is a significant shift from protecting all teachers regardless of their abilities, acknowledging the need of such evaluation in order for the Department of Education to receive the Race to the Top money — $75 million spread over four years.

Hawaii was among 12 states in 2010 that agreed to engage in ambitious education reforms in order to be selected. There are many stellar teachers, but labor unions have long been blamed, deservedly in many cases, for tolerating complacency among not-so-stellar ones. Recognizing that, even some states that were unable to win Race to the Top grants moved forward with reforms, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality. Whatever the motive, Hawaii’s school system is bound to improve because of teacher evaluations.

Now comes the next step — actually making teacher evaluation and incentives work. Student gains matter, the state said in its grant application — and that goal needs to be paramount. To demonstrate commitment to student success, state education and HSTA officials had agreed to implement performance evaluation systems based on the following:

» 50 percent based on student learning gains from the Hawaii State Assessment, end-of-course exams and interim assessments.

» 50 percent based on teacher practice as rated by multiple observers; stakeholder satisfaction; teacher knowledge and skills as measured by professional growth; and school-based leadership and service.

A team from Hawaii traveled to Washington this week to discuss the federal requirements, and federal officials are to come here later for a comprehensive review of the "Race" agreement. Changes need to be put in place before the new school year begins Aug. 1.

Turning around lowest-performing schools, boosting student achievement and improving teacher and principal effectiveness go hand in hand in improving schools.

It’s past time to put a needlessly bitter labor dispute behind, and focus fully on racing to the top.