KEPEMIMPINAN EDUKATIF DAN INOVASI KURIKULUM: KASUS KEPALA SEKOLAH DAN GURU PAI DALAM ERA KURIKULUM MERDEKA

Abstract

This study addresses the central question: How do school principals and Islamic Education (PAI) teachers collaborate in developing the PAI curriculum under the Merdeka Curriculum at MAN 2 Kota Malang? The research is grounded in the increasing need for collaborative leadership and teacher participation in curriculum development, especially under the flexible and character-based framework of the Merdeka Curriculum. Two main positions inform this inquiry: first, the principal’s strategic role in creating a supportive institutional environment; second, the PAI teachers’ active involvement in curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation. The study adopts a qualitative descriptive method using interviews, observations, and documentation to explore the forms of collaboration and the distinct roles of both actors. Findings reveal that collaboration takes place through joint planning meetings, regular communication, and shared decision-making forums. Principals act as facilitators, motivators, and supervisors, while PAI teachers contribute through content development and classroom-level adaptation. The results suggest that successful curriculum development in the Merdeka Curriculum requires ongoing, structured collaboration rooted in mutual trust and shared educational values.