PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP IN MANAGING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION AT MI MIFTAHUL HUDA GADINGREJO
Nia Maysaroh Oktavia (1), Fatikh Inayatur Rakhma (2)

1) Universitas PGRI Wiranegara
2) Universitas PGRI Wiranegara

Abstract

Inclusive education aims to provide equal educational opportunities for all students, including students with special needs. Effective management and leadership from school principals play an essential role in ensuring the successful implementation of inclusive education in schools. This study aims to analyze the management of inclusive education at MI Miftahul Huda Gadingrejo, focusing on the role of the principal in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational services for students with special needs. This research employs a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation as data collection techniques. The principal serves as the main informant due to their central role in policy-making and program management related to inclusive education. The findings reveal that the principal demonstrates a strong understanding of inclusive education as a non-discriminatory educational service that supports the development of each student^s potential. In the planning stage, the principal conducts screening and assessment to identify students with special needs and prepares supporting policies such as Standard Operating Procedures and Individualized Education Programs. In the implementation stage, the school establishes an inclusion team, empowers special assistant teachers, collaborates with external institutions, and applies adaptive learning strategies. Evaluation is conducted through monitoring, supervision, and assessment of student development using portfolios and authentic assessments. Overall, inclusive education management at the school has been implemented effectively despite several limitations in facilities and infrastructure

Keywords: principal leadership, inclusive education, planning, implementation, evaluation

Topic: Student Wellbeing (Mental Health and Student Counselling