COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The state is kicking off the first of five regional sessions to train Ohio educators to respond to school shooting situations.

The attorney general and the Ohio Department of Education are partnering on the free training for teachers and administrators. Police officers also were invited.

More than 200 people registered for the first sessions, scheduled Thursday in Columbus where Attorney General Mike DeWine will be on hand.

The state says planning for the training began after the school shooting in Chardon that left three students dead last February. It says the December massacre at a Connecticut elementary school created a surge in interest and accelerated scheduling of the sessions.

More training events are planned in Cincinnati, Chauncey, Toledo and Valley View over the next few weeks.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)