House lawmakers advanced a bill Monday requiring the state to implement teacher evaluations that take into account student academic growth and are tied to high-stakes decisions, despite concerns from teachers.

The measure comes in the absence of a collective bargaining agreement with the teachers union on revamped evaluations, which have emerged as among the highest-profile elements of the state’s ambitious education reform plans.

House Bill 2527 would require the adoption by July 1, 2013, of a performance-based evaluation system for teachers and educational officers (such as principals) that would be used in key employment decisions, such as compensation and tenure.

State Rep. Karl Rhoads, chairman of the House Committee on Labor and Public Employment, said while he is supporting the measure, he does have some concerns about it, including whether the evaluation system is a matter for negotiations.

"I hope that it becomes a moot point because the parties reach an agreement," he said.

Two House committees — Labor and Public Employment and Education — advanced the measure Monday. The bill now moves to the House Finance Committee. A companion measure is before the Senate.

The measure, supported by the state Department of Education, is aimed at allaying growing concerns nationally about Hawaii’s ability to meet its ambitious pledges under the Race to the Top grant program.

The Board of Education is also looking at whether to require the new teacher evaluations in board policy. A BOE committee will take up the issue in a meeting today.

State Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi has told lawmakers that putting elements of the Race to the Top plan into state law would hold the state to its word and send a strong signal to Washington, D.C., that Hawaii is committed to education reforms.

Federal reviewers will visit the state next month to rate Hawaii’s progress in meeting its goals under the $75 million Race to the Top grant.

Citing "unsatisfactory performance," the U.S. Department of Education placed Hawaii’s grant on "high-risk" status in December and warned officials the money could be lost if more progress is not made.

On Monday, meanwhile, a controversial measure that proposed ending tenure for teachers did not move forward.

Roy Takumi, chairman of the House Education Committee, said the bill was not needed because the performance management measure already addresses tenure, by directing the DOE to tie earning tenure to teacher effectiveness.

The DOE has pledged to lengthen the time needed to earn tenure, and ensure only effective teachers get the extra job security.

Takumi, in response to concerns from the Hawaii State Teachers Association, said it is not unusual for states to spell out tenure rules in law. At least 45 do so, he said.

Scores of teachers have submitted testimony raising concerns with the performance management bill, citing uneasiness about how student growth would be measured.

HSTA also opposes the bill, though it has supported a revamped evaluation system.

The bill would require the department to put in place teacher evaluations in which 50 percent of a rating is based on student achievement, such as test scores.

Last month, teachers overwhelmingly rejected a proposed six-year contract that included several elements of Hawaii’s Race plan, including a new evaluation system, a performance-based compensation system and changes to tenure rules.

Teachers continue to work under a "last, best and final" contract offer with wage reductions which was imposed by the state in July.

Also on Monday the House Education Committee advanced a bill that would standardize bell schedules in an effort to increase instructional time.

Schools would be able to choose from bell schedule templates designed for elementary, middle and high schools.