The role of the principal in improving the quality of education at Al-Azhar Mandiri Palu Junior High School, Indonesia

Abstract

This study discusses the role of the school principal in improving the quality of education at a Senior High School in Palu city, Indonesia. The research uses a qualitative case study approach. The data were gathered through field observation, in-depth interviews, and written material analysis. The data, then, were analyzed through the process of reduction, presentation, verification, and conclusion drawing. However, in the identification of themes, we used thematic analysis from Corbin and Strauss. The results of this study indicate the principal of the school demonstrates his ability to effectively perform functions as an educator, manager, administrator, supervisor, leader, innovator, and motivator. The findings highlight that the principal possesses good leadership skills, who prioritizes the principal's performance by using approaches such as personality and social, educational Leadership, school development, resource management, supervision, appearance, service, achievement, and culture-based education approaches. The school's principal Leadership also reflects transformational Leadership, which can improve the quality of education at the school. The indicators of education quality improvement include increasing students’ achievement, stakeholder satisfaction, the quality of teaching staff, and adequate school facilities and infrastructure. This study provides an overview of better school management, in particular, principals’ Leadership, regarding the importance of implementing comprehensive transformational Leadership. A school’s principal is expected to actively encourage teachers and students to think creatively, innovatively, and critically. A school principal should increase personal attention to teachers and students through coaching, mentoring, and effective interpersonal communication.