Principal's Instructional Leadership through Academic Supervision in Enhancing Elementary Teacher Performance
Abstract
Academic supervision plays a strategic role in improving teacher performance by strengthening instructional quality and promoting continuous professional development. However, its implementation in schools is often limited to administrative activities, reducing its effectiveness in enhancing teachers' professional competence. This study aimed to explore the implementation of academic supervision conducted by the school principal in improving teacher performance at SD Negeri 1 Godong, Grobogan Regency, Indonesia. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed to obtain an in-depth understanding of the supervision process. Data were collected through observations, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis involving the school principal and teachers selected through purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using the interactive model of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings revealed that academic supervision was implemented systematically through comprehensive planning and structured implementation. The planning stage included the preparation of supervision programs, supervision schedules, observation instruments, and coordination with teachers. The implementation stage consisted of classroom observations, professional dialogue, constructive feedback, evaluation, and continuous follow-up, which supported teachers in improving lesson planning, instructional implementation, classroom management, and learning assessment. The study concludes that academic supervision functions not merely as an administrative activity but as a continuous professional development strategy that strengthens teacher performance through collaborative guidance and instructional leadership. These findings provide practical implications for school principals in implementing sustainable academic supervision to improve instructional quality and teacher professionalism.