<![CDATA[ABSTRACT This study aims to analyze the principal's leadership in improving teacher performance and educational quality at SD Al Kautsar. The study was motivated by the important role of school principals as educational leaders who are responsible for creating a professional work environment, enhancing teacher competence, and promoting optimal educational quality. The focus of the study includes the principal's leadership strategies, efforts to improve teacher performance, and their impact on educational quality. This research employed a qualitative approach using a case study method. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation involving the principal, teachers, and other relevant stakeholders. Data analysis was conducted through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed that the principal implemented communicative, disciplined, and participatory leadership through teacher development programs, academic supervision, motivational support, and the establishment of a conducive school culture. These strategies contributed to increased responsibility, professionalism, and teacher performance in the learning process. Furthermore, the quality of education at SD Al Kautsar improved, as reflected in better instructional quality, enhanced school discipline, and increased student achievements in both academic and non-academic fields. Therefore, the principal's leadership plays a crucial role in supporting teacher performance improvement and enhancing educational quality in elementary schools.Bottom of Form ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kepemimpinan kepala sekolah dalam meningkatkan kinerja guru dan mutu pendidikan di SD Al Kautsar. Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh pentingnya peran kepala sekolah sebagai pemimpin pendidikan yang bertanggung jawab dalam menciptakan lingkungan kerja yang profesional, meningkatkan kompetensi guru, serta mendorong tercapainya mutu pendidikan yang optimal. Fokus penelitian meliputi strategi kepemimpinan kepala sekolah, upaya peningkatan kinerja guru, dan dampaknya terhadap mutu pendidikan di sekolah. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode studi kasus. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi yang melibatkan kepala sekolah, guru, dan pihak terkait lainnya. Analisis data dilakukan melalui tahapan reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kepala sekolah menerapkan kepemimpinan yang komunikatif, disiplin, dan partisipatif melalui pembinaan guru, supervisi akademik, pemberian motivasi, serta pengembangan budaya sekolah yang kondusif. Strategi tersebut berkontribusi terhadap peningkatan tanggung jawab, profesionalisme, dan kinerja guru dalam melaksanakan proses pembelajaran. Selain itu, mutu pendidikan di SD Al Kautsar mengalami peningkatan yang ditunjukkan oleh kualitas pembelajaran yang lebih baik, meningkatnya kedisiplinan warga sekolah, serta pencapaian prestasi akademik dan nonakademik siswa. Dengan demikian, kepemimpinan kepala sekolah memiliki peran yang sangat penting dalam mendukung peningkatan kinerja guru dan mutu pendidikan di sekolah dasar.]]>
