Photo by Hank McIntire, Center for Constitutional Studies, Utah Valley University. The No Child Left Behind era emphasized math and literacy skills, sometimes at the expense of time and resources for social studies. An Opening for CivicsIn spite of those challenges, Donna Phillips sees an opening for civics education in the current environment. A former social studies teacher and school administrator, Phillips knows firsthand how easily social studies, including civics, get edged out by funding and assessment standards that prioritize math and reading skills. Civics education trains students to read, write, speak and listen — essential skills for literacy as well as democracy.