KEPEMIMPINAN TRANSFORMASIONAL KEPALA SEKOLAH DALAM PENGUATAN PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER PESERTA DIDIK SEKOLAH DASAR

Abstract

Character education in elementary schools faces various challenges, particularly due to the impacts of globalization and the digital era on students’ behavior. Although it has been integrated into the curriculum, its implementation remains suboptimal due to limited teacher competence, lack of environmental support, and weak school culture. Therefore, effective school leadership, especially through a transformational approach, is needed. This study aims to analyze the role of principals’ transformational leadership in strengthening character education among elementary school students. The method used is a literature review by analyzing relevant scientific journal articles published within the last ten years. The results indicate that transformational leadership plays a significant role in strengthening character education through four main dimensions: idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. Its implementation is reflected in building a positive school culture, habituating religious and disciplinary values, empowering teachers, and integrating character values into learning activities and school programs. The impact is evident in the improvement of students’ religiosity, discipline, responsibility, and social attitudes. In conclusion, principals’ transformational leadership is a key factor in optimizing character education in elementary schools, as it creates a conducive environment for the internalization of character values from an early stage of student development.