STRATEGI KEPEMIMPINAN KEPALA SEKOLAH DALAM MENINGKATKAN MUTU SD MUHAMMADIYAH 1 TAMAN SEPANJANG SIDOARJO

The principal’s leadership plays a strategic role in improving the quality of education in elementary schools. This study aims to describe the principal’s leadership strategies in enhancing educational quality at SD Muhammadiyah 1 Taman Sepanjang Sidoarjo, as well as to identify the supporting and inhibiting factors. This research employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. The research subjects included the principal, vice principal, teachers, educational staff, students, and parents. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted using the Miles and Huberman model, which consists of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, with data validity ensured through source and technique triangulation. The results indicate that the principal’s leadership strategies include strategic planning, teacher competency development, improvement of learning quality, strengthening of Islamic character, utilization of educational technology, and engagement of parents and the community. Supporting factors consist of competent human resources, a positive school culture, and adequate facilities, while inhibiting factors include time constraints and challenges in adapting to policy changes. This study concludes that visionary and collaborative principal leadership contributes significantly to the improvement of school quality.