Bush calls for schools' help to curb violence

``The whole purpose of this exercise is to help educate," Bush said at the National 4-H Conference Center, ``and if there needs to be a cultural change inside schools, for teachers to become more aware and more active."

There were no new policies or new funding announced. The administration instead touted websites of existing resources. Panelists spent the day sharing examples of local programs.

Democrats said the event was a mere photo opportunity with little substance. Democratic senators challenged Bush to reinstate funding that has been cut from school-safety programs.

``It seems every week we learn of yet another school shooting, and all the president is willing to do is hold a summit," said Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, Democrat of New Jersey.

Over the past two weeks, school shootings in Wisconsin, Colorado, and Pennsylvania have unnerved the nation. Two involved adult intruders; the other was a student seeking revenge.

The federal role in school safety is limited. It's mainly a local matter. But the White House, reacting to the concerns of many parents, wanted to show it was doing something.

Education Secretary Margaret Spellings and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales led three panel discussions. Speakers said schools get safer when they take bullying seriously, practice crisis plans, and talk to parents about what's happening.

Safety specialists at the gathering said that more than metal detectors or security cameras, the key to halting school violence is communication.

``Our first line of prevention is really having good intelligence," said Delbert Elliott, of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence in Boulder, Colo. He said schools should encourage kids to speak up when they hear classmates boasting of violent plans.

``The communication link is very important," said George Sugai, a University of Connecticut education professor. ``Parents are not going to engage the schools if they have to walk through a metal detector, if they have to go through steps to access the teachers."