The Principal's Role in Improving Teacher Competence in Madrasah Aliyah.

As a leader, a principal is vital in improving teacher competence. Teachers with significantly good competence can improve the quality of their in-class learning. This research describes the principal's role in improving teacher competence in Madrasah Aliyah of Islamic Centre Bin Baz Yogyakarta (MA ICBB). The research method used qualitative research with a case study. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. The subjects were comprised of seven sources, a school principal, and five teachers. The data analysis technique was data collection, reduction, representation, and conclusion. Data validity was obtained from the triangulation technique. The research result showed that 1) a principal encouraged and provided opportunities for teachers of MA ICBB to participate in training and seminars inside or outside school to increase academic competence; 2) a principal controlled and supervised the behavior and performance of teachers to improve teacher personality competence; 3) a principal conducted final semester evaluation meeting that was aimed to invite teachers in the discussion forum concerning on phenomena occurred, that was obtained from interaction and analysis of teachers toward all students in MA ICBB to enhance teacher social competence; and 4) a principal provided the opportunity for all teachers to continue the higher study, attend seminars, as well as he provided information and motivation to teachers to improve teacher professional competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]