Standards-based grading has been used in many Illinois public elementary schools for years, offering educators a different way of assessing and communicating to parents about their student achievement and performance on the grade level state standards. Educators faced many benefits and challenges using a standards-based grading system identified. Many educators within the school system have questioned students' grades and their meaning for years; therefore, many educators want to know if there is a perceived relationship between using standards-based grading and student self-assessment in elementary schools. This study gathered data on regular education and special education teachers' perceptions and experiences in a standards-based grading system and student self-assessment. Parents and educators have appreciated standards-based grading systems and the new grading method. As a result of using standards-based grading at the elementary level, educators have seen many benefits and challenges in using a standards-based grading system and student self-assessment. In this study, I gathered data on regular and special education teachers' perceptions and experiences in standards-based grading systems and student self-assessments. The results of this study indicated the benefits and challenges of standards-based grading systems and student self-assessment. [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.]