Why Is Learning Math Important?

While I think there are practical math skills (e.g. adding/subtracting, making change for a $20, balancing a checkbook, etc.) that help students in their everyday lives, I don't think these are the most important reasons to learn math. I think one of the overarching goals of education should be to help students develop a toolbox of skills for making effective decisions and thinking critically. Each of the subjects that are taught in schools (math, art, English, music, social studies, science, etc.) provide students with a different set of tools for their toolbox. The process of learning math (and not necessarily the mathematical concepts themselves) helps students develop analytical skills and and a way to logically process data and information, thus providing students with a unique set of tools that they may not learn in other subjects.