The Reach Out to Schools: Social Competency Program is an elementary school curriculum project based on the understanding that improving the nature and quality of classroom relationships is the key to increased social and academic success for all children. The program includes a year-long elementary school curriculum, an experiential teacher training program, a train-the-trainer model of dissemination, and an evaluation strategy emphasizing reflection through teacher research. Structured class meetings in an open-circle format provide a predictable and supportive format for instruction and practice in three competency areas: creating a cooperative classroom environment; building self-esteem and positive relationships; and solving interpersonal problems. Second-year teachers participate in action research and peer coaching. This paper summarizes findings of interviews conducted with 15 of the 18 teacher participants new to the 1990-91 program and with 3 classes of students. Teachers reported that the program was particularly successful in helping them to distinguish between the roles of teacher as teller and teacher as facilitator and in encouraging changes in their teaching behavior. They reported that the curriculum affected the classroom in several areas--management, student participation, inclusion of special education students, group problem solving, and improved schoolwide behavior. The students expressed positive attitudes toward the curriculum, particularly toward the ways in which the lessons encouraged listening, inclusion, and group problem solving. (Contains 28 references.) (LMI)