Principal’s Management in Planning and Controlling the Teaching and Learning Process at Junior High School: A Case Study at SMP Negeri 1 Depok in Yogyakarta

This study is aimed at exploring and describing the principal’s management in planning and controlling the teaching and learning process at Junior High School, that is SMP Negeri 1 Depok in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Qualitative approach supported by quantitative approach was used to describe and analyze the managerial process at this school. The data were collected through observation, interviews, and document analysis, from the school principal as a key informant, 15 students, and 7 teaching staff members. The validity of the data was obtained through a variety of instruments, prolonged and repeated observation, mechanically recorded data, and low-inference descriptors. The data were simultaneously analyzed throughout the research process. The findings show that the principal’s management focusing on planning and controlling the teaching and learning process was conducted well since vision and mission were disseminated and nearly everyone understood; the observation and assessment were done professionally, fairly, and without nepotism; the principal motivated both the teachers and students to obtain the yearly academic achievement effectively; the teachers received adequate in-service training; and the school equipment and facility were well-maintained, planned and operated effectively and efficiently. However, the formal observation done by the school principal should be streamlined into three phases such as pre-observation conference, the classroom observation, and the post-observation conference. The principal should use the results of evaluation to select yearly teachers and provide them with either prizes or merit certificates. The guidance program should be provided to all grades. The principal should pay attention to all subjects equally and find more ways to get more books for the library and more computers for the computer laboratory