The problem this research study investigated was the readiness of the selected district's administrators, instructional coaches, and teachers in implementing a standards-based grading (SBG) initiative. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the district's elementary administration, instructional coaches, and teachers' perceptions and knowledge of standards-based grading were in preparation for the change initiative from traditional grading to SBG. Using the Teachers Perceptions of Grading Practices Scale and the Teacher Perception of Standards-Based Grading, data were collected from 8 administrators, 4 instructional coaches, and 25 teachers representing an urban public charter school in Midwest Missouri. The questionnaire consisted of a 5-point Likert scale and open-ended questions. The information from the Likert scale questions were pre-coded pertaining to six domains: Domain 1 Importance, Domain 2 Usefulness, Domain 3 Student Effort, Domain 4 Student Ability, Domain 5 Grading Habits, and Domain 6 Perceived Self-efficacy of the grading process. The overarching research questions was: What do administrators, instructional coaches, and teachers need for a successful implementation of a standards-based grading initiative? The results revealed no statically significant difference in the comparison group perceptions. However, the aligned concerns and needs to implement a change initiative were the crucial outcomes of this study. Administrators, instructional coaches, and teachers all indicated buy-in, a clearly defined plan, effective communication, and planned and targeted professional development were not the only concerns related to the change but an essential need for successful implementation. Overall, school stake holders did not have a solid understanding of what SBG is and what it is not. Prior to implementation they need PD to understand SBG components and the reason behind SBG. Results of this study can be used to inform district leaders of the perceptions and needs of school stakeholders prior to implementation of a change initiative. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]