The Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE) is a private, not-profit, 501(c)(3) association, whose mission is the promotion of effective conservation and environmental education throughout the State of Kansas. KACEE was established in 1969 as a public/private partnership made up of representatives of governmental agencies and organizations with an interest in supporting environmental education.

The interest and need for environmental education has been growing in recent years. Effective environmental education does not advocate any particular viewpoint on environmental issues. Rather, environmental education should promote a full understanding of environmental issues through the educational process. the focus of environmental education should be on the processes that enhance critical thinking, problem solving, and effective decision making. Through these processes, individuals can better understand the complexities and interrelatedness of environmental issues and weigh the various sides to make informed, balanced and responsible decisions. Many of the skills emphasized in effective environmental education are the same skills mandated by the Kansas State Board of Education through Quality Performance Accreditation (QPA) and in the requirements of "No Child Left Behind." By utilizing the environmental education materials sponsored by KACEE, school districts can meet the QPA/NCLB requirements and provide stimulating, challenging, and fun activities for their students.

The Kansas Association for the Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE) promotes and provides effective, non-biased and science-based environmental education to all Kansans (revised, 2002).

• To serve as a medium for the exchange of information among member agencies and organizations interested or working in environmental and resource-use education.
• To provide a medium through which programs may be cooperatively developed to promote and encourage the teaching of an understanding of the environment and responsible us e of resources.
• To serve through and Executive Committee as an advisory council to the Kansas State Board of Education.

• Problem-solving skills for responsible decision-making.
• A positive attitude toward conservation and the proper utilization of natural resources.
• An understanding of the social and economic implications of environmental issues.
• An appreciation for the environment.
• Knowledge of the basic concepts of ecology.