Character Education Management in Public Elementary Schools (A Multi-Site Study at SDN Kuin Cerucuk 1 and SDN Kuin Cerucuk 3)

Khairunnisa Khairunnisa; Aslamiah Aslamiah; Noorhapizah Noorhapizah

doi:10.31764/paedagoria.v17i4.39918

Character Education Management in Public Elementary Schools (A Multi-Site Study at SDN Kuin Cerucuk 1 and SDN Kuin Cerucuk 3)

Khairunnisa Khairunnisa, Aslamiah Aslamiah, Noorhapizah Noorhapizah

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the management of character education in public elementary schools through the aspects of principal leadership, school culture, and quality assurance. The research employed a qualitative approach with a multisite study design conducted at SDN Kuin Cerucuk 1 and SDN Kuin Cerucuk 3 Banjarmasin, Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation involving principals, teachers, and students. The data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, including data reduction, data display, conclusion drawing, and cross-site analysis. The validity of the data was ensured through triangulation, member checking, prolonged engagement, and audit trails. The findings revealed that character education management in both schools was implemented through the synergy of principal leadership, school culture, and sustainable quality assurance. Principals played strategic roles in formulating policies, directing programs, supervising implementation, and encouraging the involvement of teachers, parents, and the community in character education activities. School culture was developed through routine habituation, role modeling, religious activities, environmental awareness programs, and the integration of local cultural values into daily school life. Furthermore, quality assurance was carried out through continuous monitoring, periodic evaluation, documentation, and reflective discussions involving school stakeholders. Although the schools still faced limitations in standardized character assessment instruments, strong commitment and collaboration among school members supported the sustainability of character education programs. The study concludes that effective character education management is strongly influenced by visionary principal leadership, consistent school culture, and sustainable quality assurance systems.

Keywords

Multisite Study; Principal Leadership; Quality Assurance; School Culture.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.31764/paedagoria.v17i4.39918