The Principal’s Managerial Leadership in Promoting Literacy and School Digitalization at SD Muhammadiyah 2 Sidoarjo

Abstract

General Background: School literacy and educational digitalization have become important components of contemporary educational management, requiring systematic leadership and coordinated implementation. Specific Background: At SD Muhammadiyah 2 Sidoarjo, the principal manages literacy and digitalization programs through planning, organizing, implementation, and monitoring. Knowledge Gap: Previous studies have discussed school literacy, digital transformation, and principal leadership separately, while their integration within a managerial leadership framework remains insufficiently described. Aims: This study examines the managerial leadership of the principal in implementing literacy and digitalization programs and identifies supporting and inhibiting factors at the school. Results: Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving the principal, educators, and the literacy development team. Data were analyzed through data condensation, data display, and conclusion verification. The findings show that the principal applies managerial functions systematically through collaborative planning, task organization, program implementation, and continuous evaluation. Supporting factors include systematic planning, collaboration among school components, and available infrastructure, while obstacles include limited facilities, differences in teachers’ digital competence, and low reading motivation among some students. Novelty: The study integrates literacy and digitalization within the managerial leadership practices of a primary school principal. Implications: Adaptive, collaborative, and problem-oriented managerial strategies can support the continuity of school literacy and digitalization programs. Key Findings Managerial functions were implemented through planning, organizing, implementation, and continuous evaluation. Collaboration, systematic planning, and supporting infrastructure facilitated program implementation. Limited facilities, varied teacher competence, and low reading motivation remained major challenges. Keywords : Managerial Leadership, School Literacy, Educational Digitalization, Principal Leadership, Primary Education