<![CDATA[This study examines the principal’s management of academic supervision in improving teacher performance in the implementation of deep learning within the context of the Merdeka Curriculum at SMP Negeri 1 Kejajar. A qualitative case study approach was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the processes of planning, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and following up academic supervision, as well as the supporting and inhibiting factors. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis and were analyzed using an interactive model. The findings indicate that academic supervision was carried out systematically and collaboratively through structured supervision programs, classroom observations, reflective feedback, and continuous professional development. The effectiveness of supervision was supported by the principal’s instructional leadership, teachers’ readiness to improve their teaching practices, and the availability of adequate facilities and learning resources, while the main challenges included limited time, teachers’ workload, and a school culture with insufficient time discipline. Academic supervision contributed significantly to enhancing teacher performance, particularly in designing, implementing, evaluating, and reflecting on student-centered learning in a sustainable manner. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing academic supervision in strengthening professional learning and improving the quality of classroom instruction.]]>
