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This study aims to examine the influence of principal leadership and school culture on teacher discipline in public junior high schools (SMP Negeri) in Sembawa District, Banyuasin Regency. Teacher discipline is an important factor in supporting the effectiveness of the learning process and achieving educational goals. Therefore, understanding the factors that contribute to teacher discipline is essential for improving school performance. This study employed a quantitative research method with a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires consisting of 66 statement items measured using a five-point Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed using statistical techniques to determine both partial and simultaneous effects of the independent variables on teacher discipline. The results indicate that principal leadership has a positive and significant partial effect on teacher discipline, as evidenced by a t-value of 5.127, which is greater than the t-table value of 1.9809. School culture also has a positive and significant partial effect on teacher discipline, with a t-value of 7.244 exceeding the t-table value of 1.9809. Furthermore, principal leadership and school culture simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on teacher discipline, as indicated by an F-value of 34.152, which is greater than the F-table value of 3.07. These findings suggest that strengthening principal leadership and fostering a positive school culture can significantly improve teacher discipline.

This study aims to analyze the strategies employed by madrasah principals to enhance teacher professionalism through the implementation of managerial functions, academic supervision, entrepreneurship, and socio-spiritual leadership at MAN 1 Bandung and MAN 2 Bandung. The study employs a qualitative approach using a descriptive case study method. Data collection techniques included in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis, while data analysis was conducted using the Miles and Huberman model through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research findings indicate that strategies for enhancing teacher professionalism begin with needs-based planning, followed by strengthening clinical academic supervision, fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture, and implementing continuous evaluation. The implementation of these strategies has a positive impact on improving teachers’ pedagogical and professional competencies, work discipline, and the quality of learning. The novelty of this research lies in the discovery of the “Resilient Professionalism” model a model of teacher professionalism that emphasizes resilience and adaptability to changes in curriculum, technology, and educational dynamics. This model is built through the synergy of the spiritual-managerial leadership of the madrasah principal and the collective efficacy of teachers to achieve sustainable quality in Islamic education.

This research is grounded in the significant role of the madrasah principal in shaping students’ discipline and religious character as part of the goals of Islamic education. MTsN 4 Karawang was selected as the research site because it has various routine programs focused on habituation and character development. However, the implementation of these programs is not free from challenges. Therefore, a deeper study is needed to understand the leadership strategies applied by the principal in managing student discipline and religious activities at the school. The purpose of this study is to describe the leadership strategies used by the madrasah principal to improve student discipline, explain the principal’s role in developing students’ religious character, and identify the supporting and inhibiting factors in implementing these strategies. This study uses a qualitative method with data collected through observations, interviews, and documentation. The main informant of the research is the school principal. The collected data were reduced, presented in narrative form, and analyzed to identify patterns and meanings from the field findings. The results show that the principal applies transformational and participatory leadership through role modeling, religious habituation, and the involvement of teachers and students in monitoring discipline. The main supporting factors come from teacher collaboration, the student council (OSIS), and effective communication with parents

This study aims to determine the leadership strategies of school principals in improving the performance and discipline of teachers at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Salafiyah Syafiiyah Hadirul Ulum Tasikrejo Pemalang, Central Java, as well as to identify the supporting and inhibiting factors when these leadership strategies are implemented. This study uses field research with a descriptive approach. The data collected was verbal data or words rather than numbers. The location of this research was at MI Salafiyah Syafi'iyah Hadirul Ulum Tasikrejo, Pemalang Regency. The informants in this study were the principal and classroom teachers. The data collection techniques used were observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study found by the researcher regarding the principal's strategy in improving teacher performance and discipline at MI Salafiyah Syafi'iyah Hadirul Ulum Tasikrejo, Pemalang Regency, are as follows: (a) conducting supervision (b) setting an example (c) motivating teaching staff (d) providing adequate facilities and infrastructure (e) providing opportunities to attend training or education (f) conducting evaluations. Meanwhile, the supporting and inhibiting factors are divided into several parts. First, there are two supporting factors, namely (a) a sense of togetherness and kinship within the school environment, and (b) the principal's commitment to improving school quality. Meanwhile, there are two inhibiting factors, namely (a) the suboptimal time management of teachers and (b) the work environment. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the principal's leadership strategy plays a very important role in improving the performance and discipline of teachers at MI Salafiyah Syafi'iyah Hadirul Ulum Tasikrejo, Pemalang Regency. The implementation of appropriate strategies, supported by a sense of togetherness and the principal's commitment, can have a positive impact on teacher professionalism. However, there are still several inhibiting factors that need attention so that the implementation of leadership strategies can run more optimally.

This study explores the principal’s leadership strategies and the role of organizational climate in improving teacher work discipline. Teacher discipline is a crucial element in ensuring instructional quality, professional accountability, and sustainable school performance. A qualitative case study approach was employed to obtain an in-depth understanding of leadership practices implemented in the natural setting of the school. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and document analysis involving the principal, vice principals, and teachers. The findings reveal that discipline improvement is shaped by exemplary leadership, dialogic communication, continuous coaching, and the application of humanistic regulations supported by moral and social rewards. In addition, a collegial and supportive organizational climate strengthens collective awareness and encourages teachers to comply with professional standards voluntarily. Discipline is therefore constructed not merely through administrative control but through shared values and social interaction. This study contributes to educational leadership literature by providing contextual evidence of how leadership practices interact with organizational environments in shaping teacher behavior. Practically, the findings offer guidance for school leaders in designing participatory and sustainable discipline development strategies.

This study examines the integration of social activities and leadership values in shaping the character of students by the PIJAR Semarang Community as a form of community-based non-formal education. The background of this study stems from the increasing problems with student character, such as low empathy, responsibility, and self-confidence, as well as the increasing cases of violence and bullying in the educational environment. These conditions indicate that formal education has not been fully able to address the challenges of shaping student character. This study uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. The research was conducted at the PIJAR Semarang Community by involving community managers, volunteers, and students as research subjects. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation of activities, and documentation to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the character-building process. The results of the study show that the PIJAR Semarang Community integrates social activities and leadership values through academic and non-academic learning programs that are designed to be contextual and participatory. Social activities such as play-based learning, social action, field trips, art performances, and leadership training are the main media for instilling character values. The character values developed include responsibility, cooperation, empathy, discipline, and self-confidence. Leadership values are instilled through habit formation, volunteer role models, providing opportunities for participation, and the active involvement of students in every activity. This study also found several obstacles in the form of differences in student character, limited resources, and low self-confidence among some students in leadership. To overcome these obstacles, the PIJAR Semarang Community implemented intensive mentoring, motivation building, and adjustments to activities to make them more inclusive. Overall, this study confirms that the integration of social activities and leadership values in community-based non-formal education plays an important role in the holistic and sustainable character building of students.

The quality of human resources (HR) in Islamic and public primary schools (MI/SD) is a key factor in improving the quality of basic education and is strongly influenced by the leadership role of the school principal. Principals function not only as administrators but also as instructional leaders who are capable of mobilizing teachers and educational staff to develop professionally. This study aims to analyze the role of school principal leadership in improving the quality of human resources in MI/SD, particularly in terms of pedagogical, professional, social, and personal competencies of teachers and educational staff. This research employed a qualitative approach using a case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies, while data analysis was conducted through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that visionary, participatory, and transformational leadership of school principals plays a significant role in enhancing the quality of human resources. Principals actively encourage teacher professional development through academic supervision, continuous training, teamwork empowerment, and the creation of a supportive and collaborative school culture. In addition, the principal’s exemplary behavior in discipline, communication, and decision-making contributes positively to increasing motivation and performance among teachers and staff. The implications of this study suggest that improving the quality of basic education in MI/SD requires strengthening school principals’ leadership competencies so that they are able to manage and develop human resources in a sustainable manner and oriented toward educational quality improvement.

The management of the Qur'an memorization program at Al Iman Quran Science Junior High School by school administrators is covered in this paper. One of the school's main initiatives is the Qur'an memorization program, which aims to develop students' character via memorization and study of the Qur'an while also raising educational standards. This study employs a descriptive method in conjunction with a qualitative approach. The principal and Tahfidz instructors who are actively involved in the program's execution make up the research subjects. Interviews, observations, and documentation were used to gather data. According to research findings, school leadership plays a significant role in teacher development by offering training to enhance teacher competency and working to promote collaboration with parents of children. Four Qur'anic teacher support each class while the memorization method is implemented in an organized and disciplined manner. For students in the first and second grades, audio and the Hijaz Wafa-style Qur'anic reading method are employed as educational resources. Regular memorizing competitions organized by the school and the education administration each year are supporting aspects for this program. Meanwhile, differences in kids' remembering skills and parents' lack of interest in and support for their children's at-home learning activities are examples of limiting factors.

This study describes the implementation of Field Work Lectures (KKL) in Muara Wahau Village, focusing on religious education, youth character building, and community economic and social empowerment. KKL students were directly involved in teaching at the TPQ (Islamic Religious Education Center), tutoring for elementary and kindergarten students, leadership development in junior and senior high schools, mentoring MSMEs, community service activities, group exercise, and family health data collection. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed thematically. The results showed that the KKL successfully improved the youth's Quran reading skills, understanding of religious values, discipline, leadership, and social awareness. Furthermore, economic and social empowerment through MSME mentoring and community activities strengthened community independence and synergy. Obstacles such as high rainfall and the absence of the village head were successfully overcome through intensive coordination and adjustments to the activity schedule. The KKL proved effective as a practical learning tool for students while also having a positive impact on the community.

Student organizations in schools play an important role as social institutions that support character building and the development of students’ social and leadership skills. However, in practice, many students still perceive school organizations merely as formal or administrative activities, resulting in low participation and limited understanding of their educational value. This condition highlights the need for socialization activities that emphasize meaningful organizational learning. This community service activity aims to strengthen students’ understanding of the role of school organizations as social learning spaces. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed involving 30 eleventh-grade students at SMK Muhammadiyah 04 Boyolali. Data were collected through observation, discussion notes, and students’ responses during interactive sessions.The activity was conducted through teacher coordination, material preparation, material presentation, and discussion and question-and-answer sessions. The results indicate an improvement in students’ understanding of the functions and benefits of student organizations as social institutions. Students showed increased awareness of the importance of cooperation, discipline, responsibility, and communication, as well as greater motivation to actively participate in school organizations. These findings suggest that participatory and dialogical socialization is effective in promoting meaningful organizational learning and supporting students’ character development.

This study aims to describe and analyze in depth the actualization of school leadership based on the values of Ahlussunnah Wal Jama'ah (Aswaja) at SDIT Mutiara Palabuhanratu, Sukabumi Regency. The research method uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design. Data was collected through interviews, observations, and documentation studies of various parties involved in school management. The results of the study show that school leadership integrates Aswaja values, namely tawassuth (moderate), tawazun (balanced), i'tidal (firm/straight), and tasamuh (tolerant), in policy making, curriculum management, and character development of students. The actualization of these values has an impact on the creation of a harmonious, inclusive, and oriented learning environment for the development of moderate Islamic character. An important point found is the integration of Aswaja values in the school's visions and missions, student discipline, and religious programs such as morning dhikr and dawn lectures. These programs support the formation of righteous, intelligent, and outstanding students, while strengthening the school's identity as an educational institution based on moderate Islamic values. This research confirms that Aswaja-based leadership not only serves as a normative guideline, but also as a practical strategy in building a school culture that is sustainable and relevant to the needs of the community.

School leadership plays a strategic role in improving educational quality through effective management, the creation of a positive school culture, and the achievement of learning outcomes, while women’s participation in educational leadership continues to face structural and cultural challenges related to gender stereotypes. This study aims to analyze the leadership styles of female principals at SMK Negeri 1 Penawar Tama and SMK Negeri 1 Banjar Margo, identify supporting and inhibiting factors, and examine the strategies implemented to improve school quality. The research employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with principals, teachers, and students as research subjects. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, passive participatory observation, and documentation, and were analyzed using interactive qualitative analysis techniques involving data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing, with validity ensured through triangulation and member checks. The results indicate that female principals apply a combination of democratic-participatory, transformational, visionary, humanistic-communicative, and professional exemplary leadership styles. These leadership practices are reflected in inclusive decision-making, open communication, moral exemplarity, and strategic programs oriented toward student competence and institutional development. Supporting factors include strong personal commitment, high discipline, a conducive school climate, and stakeholder support, while inhibiting factors consist of limited infrastructure, policy changes, internal differences of opinion, and gender-based social pressures. The study concludes that, despite existing obstacles, female principals are able to implement adaptive and participatory leadership strategies that foster a positive work climate, enhance school community involvement, and contribute significantly to improving the quality and sustainability of vocational education.

This study explains the role of educator leaders in cultivating students' adab (moral discipline and etiquette) at two Cambodian Islamic boarding schools, Maahad Tahfiz Darul Ulum (MTDU) and Maahad Tahfiz Darul Hadith (MTDH), in a post-conflict Muslim-minority society. Drawing on classical Islamic theories of character formation, such as the works of Ibnu Miskawaih and Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas, and underpinned by Hallinger's Instructional Leadership Model, this research explores the manner in which leaders act as moral role models and institutionalists in order to transform pupil behavior. In undertaking a qualitative multiple-case study, data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation of eight influential educational leaders. Thematic analysis yielded six prominent leadership roles, including moral modeling, disciplinary enforcement, spiritual mentorship, and institutional innovation through routines and rituals. Despite parental and external cultural pressure oppositional to their endeavor, the leaders demonstrated spiritual resilience in successfully ushering student transformation through relational engagement, moral accountability, and cultural reinforcement. This study contributes to the emerging debate on faith-based leadership and character education with the offer of a contextualized model of Islamic educational leadership for post-conflict and minority-Muslim settings. Practice and policy recommendations include training educational leaders as muaddibin, integrating value-based norms, and recognizing Tahfiz schools as important actors in integral education.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate how transformational leadership style, work motivation, and work discipline affect employee performance at the Alpha Indonesia Foundation in Central Java. The social background of the foundation, which includes various issues related to human resources and workplace dynamics, highlights the importance of this study. Using a census strategy, all 49 employees participated as respondents in this survey-based quantitative approach. A closed-ended questionnaire based on a Likert scale that had undergone validity and reliability testing to ensure measurement accuracy was used to collect data. The partial and simultaneous effects of these factors were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis. Regardless of worker performance. The results of the study show that work motivation increases productivity, work discipline encourages regularity and consistency in job performance, and transformational leadership significantly improves employee morale. Overall, it has been proven that these three factors have a significant impact on the performance of agency employees. These results highlight the importance of intrinsic motivation, work discipline, and inspirational leadership as critical components in maximizing employee performance, especially in non-profit organizations involved in social and educational development.

Student discipline is one of the key indicators of a school’s success in shaping character and creating a conducive learning environment. Discipline not only reflects compliance with school regulations but also demonstrates responsibility, honesty, orderliness, and self-control as part of character building. However, in practice, various disciplinary violations are still frequently found among students, such as lateness, failure to complete assignments, truancy, and noncompliance with school dress codes. These issues are also evident at SMA Kristen Palangka Raya, particularly among Grade XI students. Therefore, the role of the school principal as an educational leader is essential in implementing effective strategies to improve student discipline. This study aims to describe the role of the principal in enhancing student discipline among Grade XI students at SMA Kristen Palangka Raya. The research employed a qualitative descriptive method with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The participants included the principal, vice principal for student affairs, teachers, and students. The findings revealed that the principal performs several roles: (1) educator, by integrating discipline values through learning activities and character-building programs; (2) manager, by organizing, planning, and implementing school regulations; (3) supervisor, by monitoring and evaluating student discipline; (4) leader, by providing direction and exemplary behavior; and (5) motivator, by giving appreciation and educational sanctions. Challenges encountered include students’ low awareness of discipline and lack of parental involvement. To overcome these obstacles, the principal builds stronger communication with parents, enforces school rules consistently, and conducts continuous character development programs.

This study aims to enhance legal awareness and leadership skills among high school students in Dau District, Malang Regency through the Adventure Legal Learning program. The background of this activity is the low level of legal understanding, leadership ability, and the limited use of interactive learning methods in the school environment. This community service project applies a participatory approach, actively involving students as key participants. The methods used combine legal education, educational games based on Eduka-Game, and outdoor outbound activities designed to foster values of responsibility, discipline, and leadership. The implementation includes legal counseling, group discussions, case simulations, collaborative games, and reflection sessions, with evaluation conducted through behavioral observation and participant response questionnaires. The results indicate a significant improvement in students’ legal understanding, communication skills, teamwork, empathy, and discipline. Moreover, positive leadership behaviors and stronger legal awareness emerged among participants. This experiential learning approach proved effective in developing responsible, empathetic, and integrity-driven young individuals capable of becoming agents of change in their communities. However, variations in individual leadership and empathy skills remain challenges that need further attention and development in future programs.

This research examines the influence of transactional leadership and the entrepreneurial competence of school principals on the effectiveness of education financing in primary and secondary education settings. Effective education financing is essential to ensure that limited resources are allocated optimally to improve learning quality, infrastructure, and institutional sustainability. Transactional leadership—marked by clear performance standards, reward and punishment mechanisms, and strict supervision—provides a structured framework for financial accountability and goal achievement. Entrepreneurial competence, on the other hand, equips principals with the ability to recognize funding opportunities, innovate in revenue generation, and manage financial risks. The study adopts a quantitative survey design involving school principals and financial management personnel from a representative sample of public and private schools. Data were collected using validated questionnaires and analyzed through multiple regression to measure the direct and combined effects of the two independent variables on education financing effectiveness. The findings reveal that both transactional leadership and entrepreneurial competence significantly and positively affect financial effectiveness. Transactional leadership strengthens transparency and budget discipline, while entrepreneurial competence fosters diversification of funding sources and innovative financial strategies. These results highlight the strategic importance of integrating leadership development with entrepreneurial training for school principals. Strengthening these competencies not only enhances financial planning and accountability but also reduces dependence on a single funding source, supporting long-term educational sustainability. Future studies are encouraged to explore additional mediating factors such as organizational culture, technological infrastructure, and community involvement to provide a more comprehensive understanding of education financing dynamics.

This study investigates the influence of transformational leadership on teacher performance in disadvantaged regions, with a specific focus on SMP Satu Atap Werdi in Pekalongan Regency. Schools located in remote and underdeveloped areas often face structural challenges such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and geographical isolation, which significantly hinder the delivery of quality education. In this context, the role of school principals becomes critical in shaping organizational culture and motivating educators to maintain high performance despite the constraints. The research employed a qualitative descriptive approach, using participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis to gather rich and comprehensive data from the principal and teachers as key informants. Findings indicate that even though SMP Satu Atap Werdi operates in an area with severely limited facilities, the transformational leadership style adopted by the principal has successfully brought about meaningful improvements in school management and teacher performance. The leadership was manifested through four main dimensions: idealized influence, demonstrated by strong role modelling and exemplary behaviour; inspirational motivation, reflected in the principal’s ability to encourage teachers to remain committed and enthusiastic; intellectual stimulation, which fostered creativity, innovation, and problem-solving among teachers; and individualized consideration, shown through personal guidance and support tailored to each teacher’s needs. These practices led to visible progress in teacher discipline, professional dedication, and organizational commitment. The study underscores the importance of transformational leadership as a catalyst for positive organizational change in education, particularly under challenging circumstances. The findings align with previous literature highlighting its effectiveness in motivating subordinates and enhancing performance. From a practical standpoint, this research suggests the need for policymakers and education stakeholders to strengthen transformational leadership practices in schools across disadvantaged regions as a strategy to achieve equitable educational quality in Indonesia.

This research examines the vital role of pesantren education in embedding and sustaining moral values within the broader social context, with a particular focus on Pondok Pesantren Raudlatul Muta’allimin Kudus. As traditional Islamic institutions, pesantren not only function as centers for religious instruction but also act as moral guardians that shape the character, ethics, and social behavior of students and their surrounding communities. In the midst of rapid globalization and shifting cultural dynamics, pesantren face the challenge of preserving the relevance of Islamic values while adapting to contemporary realities. The purpose of this study is to investigate how pesantren education contributes to moral development and to identify strategies utilized to instill Islamic ethics. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research gathered data through interviews, direct observation, and documentation involving kyai, teachers, students, and community members. The findings show that pesantren foster moral growth through structured daily rituals, integration of moral teachings in curriculum, exemplary leadership (uswah), and active community-based programs. These practices build discipline, honesty, empathy, and social responsibility in students, which in turn positively affect the surrounding society. Furthermore, the leadership model demonstrated by kyai and teachers plays a central role in reinforcing values through example, rather than instruction alone. The study concludes that pesantren education continues to serve as a powerful moral force by blending religious instruction with practical community engagement, ensuring that values are not only taught but also lived. This underscores the relevance of pesantren as adaptive agents of moral transformation capable of addressing the ethical challenges of modern Muslim societies. It also highlights that the pesantren framework can serve as a replicable model for strengthening character education in diverse social and cultural contexts, making it both traditional and forward-looking.

The study aims to analyze the relationship between learning discipline and students' critical thinking abilities in math learning. A quantitative approach with correlational survey methods is used in this study. Sample of 44 junior high school students selected through simple random sampling technique. Instruments used as lamps to measure learning discipline and tests to measure critical thinking ability. Data analysis was performed through Liliefors normality testing, Pearson correlation testing, and simple linear regression. The normality test results show that discipline learning data is normally distributed (Lo = 0.0995 < Ltable = 0.133), whereas critical thinking data is not normally distributed (Lo = 0.2266 > Ltable = 0.133). The correlation test results show the value of r = 0.211 and thitung = 1.423 < ttable = 1.683, meaning there is no significant relationship between learning discipline and critical thinking ability. The regression results also show the value of Fhitung = 2.15 < Ftabel = 4.08, which means there is no significant influence between learning discipline on critical thinking ability. Thus, that learning discipline does not affect significantly on students' critical thinking ability in math learning. This results in a more comprehensive learning approach to develop critical thinking skills.