PERAN KEPALA SEKOLAH DALAM IMPLEMENTASI KURIKULUM MERDEKA DI SMP MUHAMMADIYAH 8 BANDUNG

Kurikulum Merdeka is an educational policy that aims to provide freedom for schools and educators to design learning according to the needs of students. The principal has a strategic role as an educational leader in ensuring the successful implementation of this curriculum. This study aims to analyze the role of the principal in implementing the Kurikulum Merdeka at SMP Muhammadiyah 8 Bandung.
The research method uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Research participants included the principal, vice principal and teachers. Data analysis was carried out through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing.
The results showed that the principal plays an important role in the successful implementation of Kurikulum Merdeka. This role includes the use of effective leadership strategies, efforts to improve learning quality through learning innovation and improving teacher competence and managing the challenges faced. Principals contribute to providing strategic direction, building a culture of collaboration among teachers, and providing facilities and training to support the development of teacher competencies and learning facilities. Supporting and inhibiting factors in implementing the Kurikulum Merdeka, this study also find many challenges, such as consistency, diversity of teacher competencies, not maximizing study groups and resistance to change among teachers. However, thanks to the strategy implemented by the principal, all of this can be minimized.
The conclusion of this study is; the role of the principal determines the successful implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka in dominant role as a leader and innovator. Further support from related parties, such as the government and the community, is needed to overcome the existing challenges. This research is expected to contribute to the development of educational policies and leadership practices in schools as well as a reference for future researchers.