Tampa, FL -- Students across America have taken part in fire or tornado drills. 

And in recent months, some schools say welcome to the world of School Shooting Drills.

They start with a gunman taking control of a classroom and hopefully end with students learning how to survive.

Dr. Bob Laronga, a defense teacher is part of a growing effort across the country to make sure children aren't sitting ducks if a gunman breaches school security.

"These students...their lives are on the line...they have to act or die."

Dr. Laronga says the program does not advocate for kids to be heroes, but for them to act decisively as a group.

"We've reached an age where we have to progress from self defense to group defense."

WTSP