Sarcouncil Journal of Education and Sociology

Abstract: Character education in elementary schools is essential for shaping students' morals and ethics from an early age. However, its implementation still faces various challenges, necessitating effective management strategies to realize character education optimally, particularly in the context of schools in Samarinda City. This research aims to describe the strategic management of school principals in implementing character education at SDN 011 Sungai Pinang.This study employs a qualitative approach using a case study method. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation to obtain rich and contextual data regarding the strategic management of character education. The collected data is analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive analysis model, which consists of data collection, data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. To ensure data validity, source and technique triangulation methods are applied. The specific steps of the case study method include determining the unit of analysis, collecting in-depth data through interviews, observations, and document studies, as well as interpreting the context holistically. The results of the study show that character education planning is carried out strategically and based on data, such as the education report cards and students’ diagnostic assessments, and aligned with the school's vision, mission, and goals. The organization of character education involves forming a special structure that assigns teachers based on their competencies and develops two-way communication between the principal, teachers, and parents. The implementation of character education—such as values of religiosity, nationalism, mutual cooperation, independence, and creativity—is integrated into learning activities and daily routines. The supervision of character education is conducted regularly through observations, character journals, reflection meetings, as well as documentation and reporting of outcomes to both internal and external parties, such as the education office. The impact of this research is the strengthening of effective strategic leadership practices in elementary schools, which enables the development of a character education model that supports character building through collaborative and sustainable management.