The thesis focuses on analysing different types of threats and social vulnerabilities, as well as their impact on educational reforms, based on the Copenhagen School’s "Securitization theory" within the field of special education. Three studies illustrate how different threats form educational reforms, but also how the implementation of reforms can produce new threats. Securitization theory is also used to highlight educational conditions for children at risk. Helen Dwyer has a background in Political Science and in International Education. This is a doctoral thesis in Special Education at Stockholm University, Sweden 2018.