STRATEGI KEPALA MADRASAH DALAM MENGEMBANGKAN KINERJA GURU DAN PRESTASI SISWA (Studi Kasus Di Mts Al-Mahrusiyah Lirboyo Kota Kediri)

Abstract

Education plays a vital role in shaping the character of students as the next generation of the nation. Therefore, innovations in the educational field are essential. According to Article 19 paragraph (1) of Government Regulation No. 19 of 2005 on National Education Standards, learning must be conducted in an interactive, inspiring, fun, and challenging manner, motivating students to actively participate and allowing space for creativity, independence, and initiative in accordance with their talents and psychological development. This study aims to provide an in-depth description of the strategies employed by the principal in improving teacher performance and enhancing student achievement at MTs Al-Mahrusiyah, an Islamic junior high school under the auspices of Pondok Pesantren Al-Mahrusiyah. The research also explores supporting and inhibiting factors in implementing these strategies. The principal plays a strategic role in determining the direction of policies and educational quality improvement programs. In this context, the quality of teacher performance and the level of student achievement are two key indicators of successful school management. This research adopts a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with the principal, vice principal for curriculum, teachers, and high-achieving students, as well as direct observation and documentation of school programs. Data were analyzed using a descriptive qualitative method, following the steps of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that the principal implements several integrated strategies to enhance teacher performance, including: (1) scheduled academic supervision, (2) professional development through training and workshops, (3) performance-based rewards, and (4) strengthening internal communication and coordination. Strategies to improve student achievement include: (1) special coaching for academically and non-academically gifted students, (2) provision of supportive learning facilities, (3) well-directed extracurricular activities, and (4) motivation-building through spiritual and cultural values rooted in the pesantren tradition.Although these strategies have shown effectiveness, some challenges persist, such as teachers’ heavy workload, low learning motivation among some students, and limited infrastructure—especially for digital-based learning. Nonetheless, the strong commitment of all school elements, visionary leadership of the principal, and support from the pesantren foundation have ensured the successful implementation of these strategies, leading to positive outcomes in improving the quality of education at MTs Al-Mahrusiyah.