As Texas re-examines what students must learn to earn a high school diploma, a single math course has attracted more attention than any other part of the state’s curriculum.

Under a bill that was overwhelmingly passed by the House and is now before the Senate, Texas would drop algebra II as a core diploma requirement. The bill would severely cut back exit tests, and lower the number of courses students must take in math and science.

The proposed changes come as some policy experts are challenging the role of the advanced math in preparing students for college and career. But it has raised alarm from business leaders and national advocacy groups concerned about how the changes might affect academic achievement in the state, particularly for low-income and minority students. Elsewhere in the country, many states are raising curriculum standards to meet the increasing demands of employers.

Representative Jimmie Don Aycock, a Killeen Republican who is in his first term as chairman of the House Public Education Committee, was among those who questioned the value of an Algebra II requirement.