Principal Academic Supervision in Strengthening Quality Culture at SD Negeri 021 Sungai Kunjang in the Independent Curriculum Era

This study aims to describe the implementation of academic supervision by school principals in strengthening the quality culture at SD Negeri 021 Sungai Kunjang. Quality culture reflects values, attitudes, and learning practices that are oriented towards improving the quality of education. This research employed a qualitative approach with descriptive methods, utilizing data collection techniques that included observation, interviews, and documentation. The results showed that principals play an active role in planning, implementing, and following up on academic supervision. Supervision is conducted through classroom visits, joint reflection, and constructive feedback to teachers. The implementation of supervision is proven to encourage teachers to improve professionalism, understand the Merdeka Curriculum, and build a collaborative culture that focuses on student learning. Follow-up activities in the form of training and developing learning communities also strengthen the school's quality culture. Although there are still obstacles such as time constraints and teacher readiness, the participatory leadership of the principal can facilitate gradual positive changes. Thus, academic supervision contributes significantly to creating an adaptive, innovative, and competitive school climate.