(a) The department shall: (1) Coordinate school-based early detection and prevention programs funded under sections 10-76u to 10-76x, inclusive; and (2) in conjunction with the Department of Children and Families and local mental health agencies, provide training, consultation, and technical assistance to local and regional boards of education in early detection, intervention techniques, screening, staffing, program management and evaluation.

(b) The department may contract with consultants to aid in the conduct of training and the provision of consultation and technical assistance to early detection and prevention programs funded under the provisions of sections 10-76u to 10-76x, inclusive.

(c) The department shall identify specific goals and objectives for the program prior to the solicitation of applications for participation in such program and shall define in advance what specific measures it shall employ to measure the attainment of the goals and objectives. Utilizing these measures, the department shall evaluate the effectiveness of the programs funded under sections 10-76u to 10-76x, inclusive. The Commissioner of Education shall report to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education not later than January 1, 1986, on the evaluation of said programs.