Analisis Peran Kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah dalam Pembinaan Karakter Siswa Berbasis Nilai Religi

Abstract

The leadership of the principal plays a crucial role in coordinating, mobilizing, and aligning all educational resources available within the school, particularly in supporting student character development. This study aims to examine the leadership roles and strategies of the principal in improving student character development. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation and were analyzed descriptively. The findings indicate that the principal’s role in student character development includes: (a) as a visionary leader, the principal makes serious efforts to realize the vision of character development by involving the entire school community; (b) as a role model, the principal demonstrates positive attitudes and behaviors that serve as examples for the school community; (c) as a motivator, the principal actively provides encouragement and inspiration to teachers and students; and (d) as an innovator, the principal develops various character-building programs, such as Islamic faith and piety activities (IMTAQ), congregational prayers, and Scout extracurricular activities. The strategies implemented include: (a) planning through coordination meetings involving guidance and counseling teachers and religious education teachers; (b) applying collaborative and participatory strategies by involving all elements of the school community, including parents; (c) integrating character values into various school activities through the school vision, role modeling, and positive habituation programs; and (d) conducting structured and continuous evaluations. Therefore, principal leadership that is visionary, exemplary, motivational, and innovative, supported by collaborative and sustainable strategies, can strengthen the implementation of student character development in schools.