<![CDATA[This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the Arabic language tutoring program (bimbingan belajar Bahasa Arab) at SMK Negeri 1 Mesuji, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, where the dropout rate reaches 17.3%, and to formulate an optimization model for that program grounded in Pendidikan Akidah Akhlak (Islamic Creed and Morals Education) to build students' character and resilience and to prevent dropout. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study used primary data from students, teachers, and parents. Of the students actively participating in the Arabic language tutoring program, 50 respondents were selected through stratified random sampling (Slovin formula) to complete a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire, which was analyzed using multiple linear regression in SPSS 26. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation with key informants selected through purposive sampling, and were analyzed thematically using NVivo 12. Quantitative results show that the effectiveness of the Arabic language tutoring was mostly in the moderate category (76%) and did not significantly affect Akidah Akhlak-based resilience (t = 0.340; sig = 0.735), whereas intrinsic motivation did (t = 2.587; sig = 0.013; R² = 0.400). Qualitative findings show that informants regard the Arabic tutoring as helpful for understanding the material yet still academically oriented, that spiritual resilience is students' primary coping mechanism against external constraints, and that all informants expect an Arabic language tutoring model that integrates Akidah Akhlak. The study proposes an optimization model for Arabic language tutoring built on five strategies: integrating Akidah Akhlak values into Arabic tutoring materials, strengthening intrinsic motivation and character, adopting a holistic learning approach, fostering school–teacher–parent collaboration, and providing continuous mentoring for students at risk of dropping out.]]>
