First Strike is an ambitious project that utilizes a multi-method approach to gain insight into the confluence between public education and prison. It takes an unique perspective and delves into the root causes of an ever-expansive prison system and disastrous educational policy. First Strike intervenes in a spirited public discussion on the relation of education policies and budgets, the rise of mass incarceration and permutations of racism. Policy makers, school districts and local governments have long known that there is a relationship between high incarceration rates and school failure. First Strike is the first book that demonstrates how and why that connection exists and shows in what ways school districts, cities and states have been complicit and can reverse a disturbing and needless trend.