(a) The Department of Education shall, within available appropriations, (1) review and analyze the policies submitted to the department pursuant to section 10-222d, (2) examine the relationship between bullying, school climate and student outcomes, (3) document school districts’ articulated needs for technical assistance and training related to safe learning and bullying, (4) collect information on the prevention and intervention strategies used by schools to reduce the incidence of bullying, improve school climate and improve reporting outcomes, and (5) develop model policies for grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, for the prevention of bullying. On or before February 1, 2010, the department shall, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, submit a report on the status of its efforts pursuant to this section and any recommendations it may have regarding additional activities or funding to prevent bullying in schools and improve school climate, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education and to the select committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to children.

      (b) The department may accept private donations for the purposes of this section.