The Implementation of School Principal Leadership in Integrating Religious Values into the Merdeka Curriculum at SDIT Iqra 1, Bengkulu City
Keywords:
School Principal Leadership, Religious Values, Merdeka Curriculum, Integrated Islamic SchoolAbstract
This study aims to describe the implementation of school principal leadership in integrating religious values into the Merdeka Curriculum at SDIT Iqra 1, Bengkulu City. This research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. The research subjects consisted of the school principal, teachers, and educational staff. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. Data validity was ensured through source and technique triangulation. The findings indicate that the school principal’s leadership in integrating religious values into the Merdeka Curriculum is carried out through several key roles, namely as a visionary leader, educator, motivator, and role model. The principal establishes a school vision and policies that embed religious values into instructional planning, encourages teachers to internalize religious values within general subject instruction, and fosters a religious school culture through habituation activities and exemplary conduct. The integration of religious values is also reflected in the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5), which is aligned with Islamic values. Despite challenges such as differences in teachers’ understanding and limited instructional time, the principal addresses these issues through continuous coaching, supervision, and mentoring. This study is expected to contribute to the development of school principal leadership practices in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum grounded in religious values
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