PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP STRATEGIS IN EDUCATIONAL DIGITALIZATION AS SD NEGERI 011 PARIT AMAN

Abstract

Educational digitalization has become a strategic priority in primary education; however, its implementation largely depends on effective school leadership. This study aims to analyze principal leadership strategies in managing educational digitalization at SD Negeri 011 Parit Aman, Indonesia. A qualitative descriptive approach with a case study design was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis involving the school principal and teachers. The data were analyzed using an interactive model comprising data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing.

The findings reveal that principal leadership strategies play a crucial role in supporting educational digitalization through three interconnected stages: strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. Strategy formulation was based on contextual analysis of school needs and available resources. Strategy implementation emphasized teacher capacity building, instructional supervision, and collaborative practices to integrate digital tools into teaching, learning, and school management. Strategy evaluation was conducted continuously to assess effectiveness and ensure sustainability. Despite infrastructural limitations, these leadership strategies enabled the school to implement digitalization initiatives in a gradual and context-sensitive manner.

This study contributes to the literature by highlighting leadership strategies as structured and cyclical processes rather than isolated leadership styles. The findings offer practical implications for school principals and policymakers in designing context-responsive leadership strategies to support sustainable educational digitalization in primary schools.