Principal's Leadership Strategy in Improving Character Education

This study is a qualitative research to examine how the principal's leadership strategy in improving character education. So, what becomes the guide in this research is the author's interpretation of the principal's leadership strategy in improving character education at Kosgoro Tangerang Junior High School. In accordance with the purpose of this study, the author wants to see how the principal's leadership strategy in improving character education and see what activities can improve character education, and what are the supporting and inhibiting factors. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach with descriptive methods through data analysis in the form of interviews, observations and document studies. The data sources of this research are the principal, deputy head of curriculum, deputy head of student affairs, homeroom teacher, teachers, and students. The location of the research was at SMP Kosgoro Tangerang. The results showed that the principal's leadership strategy in improving character education at SMP Kosgoro Tangerang has been running quite well. This can be seen from the many activities that can improve character education at Kosgoro Tangerang Junior High School, including: tadarus al-quran, duha prayer, youth red cross, saman dance, scouts and karate. The principal's leadership strategies in improving character education include: school program planning within one year for the short term and four years for the long term. However, there are still obstacles in these activities originating from students, human resources, limited facilities and infrastructure. Based on these findings, it is recommended that principals conduct open recruitment of teachers according to the needs and specifications of graduates and give more intense attention to character education activities so that they run optimally. School principals should make efforts to improve the aspects of human resources, facilities and infrastructure, so that they are better and optimal in improving student character. In addition, the principal can also collaborate with institutions or invite alumni or outstanding figures to provide stimulus to students in reaching the future.