COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio's Senate president defended changes to an education bill despite the governor's criticism that it would weaken reform efforts in the state.

A Senate education committee on Tuesday unanimously approved dozens of changes to Gov. John Kasich's (KAY'-siks) bill, including postponement of a requirement that third-grade students be held back if they test below their reading level.

Republican Senate President Tom Niehaus (NEE'-hows) says the changes remain on course with lawmakers' efforts to improve education.

Kasich says he's troubled by the changes because they would weaken efforts to reform education in the state.

The Senate is expected to vote on the bill Wednesday. It would then move to the House.