The Reagan Effect: Why Communication Matters in Special Education

Episode 1 of The Reagan Effect brings together two important voices in the world of special education and healthcare. Kristi Jo Krueger, Nurse Practitioner and founder of Reagan’s Legacy, and Bo Johnson of Bo Johnson Law, LLC talk about how communication between parents, schools, and medical providers directly affects the support a child receives.

Kristi shares her perspective as both a provider and a parent. She explains how difficult it can be for families to understand what is written in a child’s educational file and why obtaining complete records is so important. Bo expands on this by reminding parents that they have the right to request the full education record under FERPA. When families know what information the school is using, they are better prepared for IEP meetings and better equipped to advocate for their children.

A key theme of this episode is the idea that communication often breaks down because parents speak to only one member of the IEP team. Kristi and Bo encourage families to communicate with the entire team so everyone understands changes in behavior, medication, or learning needs. They also explain how adding communication requirements into the IEP can help the school stay consistent.

Kristi and Bo close the conversation by offering practical tips for IEP preparation. Parents should request the proposed IEP at least three days before the meeting, take time to review it, and ask for clarifications when needed. They also discuss the importance of reviewing meeting minutes and understanding what a signature on the IEP truly means.

The first episode of The Reagan Effect sets the tone for the series by showing how much stronger a child’s support system becomes when everyone communicates clearly and consistently. It is a reminder that advocacy, understanding, and teamwork are essential in helping children succeed.

William T. “Bo” Johnson III

Attorney and Managing Member