Colorado students would have to pass four years each of math and science to graduate from high school under a bill approved by the Senate Education Committee on Thursday.

Sen. Josh Penry, R- Fruita, said U.S. students are falling behind their counterparts in Asian nations.

"In this incredibly competitive world, it's unacceptable that someone would graduate with only two years of math," said Penry, the chief sponsor of SB 131.

Passage of the measure was a surprise to some educators. They expected majority Democrats to kill the bill. Instead, it squeaked by, 4-3, with Sen. Suzanne Williams, D-Aurora, voting with the Republicans.

Williams said the measure is flexible, since students who are not college-bound could meet the requirement by taking business math.

Under current practice, school boards in each of the 178 school districts set their own graduation standards. Penry's bill would give the state a major role.

Only 11 percent of school districts require four years of math, while 9 percent require four years of science, according to the report of a study group appointed by former Gov. Bill Owens.

Recommendations to increase the amount of math and science have died in the past under fire from rural districts, which have trouble attracting math and science teachers. Arts teachers have also objected, saying the additional math and science will take time from their courses.

Neither of those groups were present at the sparsely attended hearing Thursday.

Jane Urschel of the Colorado Association of School Boards said after the committee vote that courses like the arts help keep kids in school who would otherwise drop out.

"It's one thing to have a mandate of four years of math and science. It's something else to keep them there to take those courses," Urschel said.

morsonb@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5209