This monograph addresses the importance of and strategies for improving education through reflective practice, defined as cognitive processes and an open perspective that involve conscious self-examination in order to gain understandings and improve the lives of students. Chapter 1 provides an overview and explains origins of reflective practice initiatives. Suggestions for using the monograph are also offered. Chapter 2 presents a synthesis of education-related literature on reflective practice, including an historical perspective and a review of research. Chapters 3 and 4 each describe how a school community engaged in reflective practices. Chapter 3, entitled "A School-Wide Reflection and Dialogue Process at Mountain View School" (Robi Kronberg and Cheri Lunders), centers on how a K-8 school achieved school-wide participation in a process of examining beliefs and practices. Chapter 4, "Inquiring Minds United at Urban High School" (Jo Montie and others), describes a three-year voluntary and relatively open process involving teachers at an urban high school that resulted in a continuing commitment to reflective practice and an expanded influence on school-wide practices. The final chapter, Chapter 5, offers overall reflections and suggestions about reflective practice in educational settings. (Contains 48 references.) Appended are forms and results from the two case studies reported. (DB)