The Legacy of a School: Developing Better Schools Based on Mutual Cooperation

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze (1) how hard legacy was used to develop a school—namely MIN (Madasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri) Tegalsari, Wlingi sub-district, Blitar Regency—and (2) how soft legacy was applied at the same school. The research took a qualitative approach with a case study design. It was conducted at a madrasa, namely MIN Tegalsari in Blitar Regency, between January and June in 2020. The research was concerned with school programs and activities and the impressions of the school’s stakeholders about them. In-depth interviews, observations, and documentation were used for data collection. What is more, the data’s validity was checked for credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. The data were then integratively analyzed through data presentation, data reduction, and the drawing of tentative conclusions. The results revealed firstly that the school’s legacy has resulted from a transformation from a school that was not well-regarded by the community into an excellent school. The dramatic improvement in this school was marked by changes in its culture in terms of transparent and accountable school management, environment-based and enjoyable learning, and increased support and participation from various school stakeholders. In addition, the school also has a soft legacy that manifested in three aspects, namely a collaborative leadership structure, transformational leadership, and effective communication.