Your comments:

"Math is important as well as the other basic subjects in school, but would it not be important to teach things that are not always taught in school systems such as organizational behavior? I think that maybe in one's later years in education it is a very good subject to become familiar with. That is why I chose other." Adrien, Enfield

"Although math is very important, I think that the things learned in general science such as the boiling and freezing points of water, nutrition, functions of motors, astronomy, environmental issues, radio and television waves, sound, and many more are encountered every minute of the day. The knowledge of general science has helped me immeasurably." J.Z., Rockey Hill

"It's frustrating but not surprising to find that your majority feels that math is the most useful. These people need to think this through more logically. Language arts really should be first simply because it includes the ability to read. If you can't read what's presented to you in everyday life, you can't know what mathematical computations to embark upon." Patricia Nellis Dynia, Durham

"There is nothing more important in life then one's health. Academic subjects are essential but gym or physical education is the foundation toward a healthy lifestyle." G.K., Brookfield

"I am a nurse, and I see so many women in their twenties who cannot write a coherent sentence or spell properly..it's a sin that these girls have graduated high school ... When it comes to speaking or writing properly, the younger generation is found lacking, and in order to hold almost any job, language skills are necessary. The cash registers even figure out the amount of change to give, so math skills are not as important, in my opinion." C. Laferriere, Waterbury

"There is no doubt that all of the core subjects are imporntant! I find it difficult to choose math over language arts or social studies, for instance. I do think it a mistake to emphasise one over the other, as math seems to be in the limelight now. In fact, students should be required to do well in all subjects and there should be an equal emphasis on presenting them in our schools. It is very important to attempt to develop well-rounded young people and since all don't continue their educations, our school systems are the place to attempt to do it." 218, Bantam

"Psychology, today's world is real screwed up." J.W.D., Naugatuck

"I think that language arts are more useful than people realize. People do not know how to communicate to each other. I work in customer service and the employees don't communicate well to the customers. The customers do not know how to communicate to the employees. Math is an important skill as well but to me language skills are much more important." L.K., East Haddam

"If you dont talk too good, like and, you know you write bad ... I can't imagine that you could do like to much for acomplishemant if you cant spell and get a clear point across in what you write and talk about when you are communicating with others. On the other hand, how can anyone expect to handle money without math? I was recently frightened by a girl at the J. Crew outlet in Westbrook when she pondered aloud, "so how much would this be if there is an additional 10% off?" Yikes! Take away her credit cards. Let's decide to focus on the "well-rounded" student." T.B., No Town

"Actually I think they are all important for later on in life, because I use a little bit of everyone in one way or another every single day. Whether I actually apply them or or I remember them when I observe things being said in conversations with others or in things being done around me. They are all important." Andy Z., Prospect

"I selected "Other" in response to the survey about subjects useful in late life because I feel that none of the list were useful! Skills such as programming, network management, and other MIS related items ARE the future, and they can all be learned in a community/technical school for a fraction of the price of a university. My regrets (are) for not having the patience or passion for this ... growing field." Chris Kozicki, Stamford

"I think that Language Arts is absolutely the most important subject you learn in school. Not a day goes by when you don't need to read or write something either at work or for your personal business. Those people who don't master the basics in Language Arts are no doubt struggling each day." M., Preston

"I believe that of all the subjects taught in school, reading and writing are the most useful, followed by mathematics." D. Dimas, Seymour

"My comment is -- without math we are lost in this world." R.H., East Haven

"I really think that is a difficult question because they are all important "in your day-to-day life. The choice has to be what influences you as you go through your career." Teri Palmer, Voluntown

"Language Arts is the most important because if you know how to read and communicate you will be able to learn all of the others. Our whole lives, from infancy to the grave, depend on our ability to communicate and understand communication. These skills become so much a part of us that we use them every day without even realizing it. Every job imaginable to me requires reading with understanding and/or communication skills. Maybe, even more importantly, we need these skills to enjoy the simple pleasures of life ... just my humble opinion." B.J.T., Torrington

"I believe that Language Arts is the most important subject, because nothing is more important than learning about Classic Novels, and other Language related areas. We don't want our children growing up mentioning the word "Like" every three words and not being able to describe anything with words any other than "cool" and "that sucks". New vocabulary will prove essential in the later part of everyone's life." J.P., Lakeville

"I am amazed by the results of your survey...showing that most people picked Mathematics over subjects such as Reading & Writing ... one would not go very far without these latter two disciplines; whereas, I have known many people (not aviators!) who are absolutely ignorant of math principles (my wife being one -- still counts on her fingers!) yet hold very good jobs and are a great contribution to society ... my ex-pastor was such a good preacher/teacher that people would come from miles around to hear him, yet he claimed he could not multiply or divide simple numbers (said he missed those courses in grade school at a time he was having trouble with his sight)...yet he is excellent with his computer ... so, go figure! I believe in the age-old order of education: Reading, Writing and Arithmetic...and IN THAT ORDER." Gordon Jelliffe, Darien

"I think it is much easier to carry a pocket calcuator than a dictionary and thesaurus? Proof that language is more important -- your disclaimer reserves the right to edit spelling and grammar errors. However, no disclaimer for mathematical errors." C.W., Guilford
Editor's Note: Surely I committed an oversight in writing the disclaimer. ;-)

"While math is important: If a person cannot read, what is there to count?" Dawn, Morris

"Your survey indicates that Gym (6.19%) is more useful in later life than Social Studies (4.99%). Perhaps this is why the average guy can explain why the Patriots are not in Hartford but cannot tell you why we were involved in Kosovo." C.B., Putnam

"All the school subjects listed are important later on in "real life". It's not possible to tell beforehand what will be important or necessary to success later on in life. A well-rounded education is one that teaches a person how to think critically and logically. It gives them the attitude and tools to learn new things. Knowledge of Science and Math are important to keep up with today's fast-paced society. The Arts, Music, and History help us understand who we were, and who we are today. English and Writing allows us to communicate and make contributions to our culture. Gym develops strong healthy bodies. All are important and interdependent." David Degling, Granby