CHANGE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN FACING THE CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING THE INDEPENDENT CURRICULUM IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Abstrak

This study examines the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum within the context of school management. The research employs a qualitative approach through library research methodology. Findings indicate that the Merdeka Curriculum, as a response to educational challenges in the digital era, faces several key obstacles: (1) teacher readiness and competency in differentiated learning, (2) technological infrastructure limitations, (3) conceptual understanding of the curriculum, and (4) inter-institutional coordination. Analysis reveals that effective curriculum implementation depends significantly on participatory, adaptive, and contextual school management. Transformational leadership of school principals emerges as a crucial factor in engaging all stakeholders. Successful implementation strategies include: (1) continuous teacher training, (2) school curriculum integration, (3) strengthening project-based and portfolio assessment systems, and (4) active community involvement. The study concludes that despite various challenges, the Merdeka Curriculum can be optimally adapted through strong and collaborative school management. The curriculum's flexibility in accommodating local values and student characteristics represents its primary advantage. These findings provide practical implications for policymakers and education practitioners in optimizing the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum across diverse educational settings.