Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of a Total Quality Management (TQM) Model Based on National Education Standards (NES) for Optimizing the Performance of the Principals of the Public Vocational High Schools in Medan

Objective: This study aims to (1) develop a Sustainable Development Goals of Total Quality Management (TQM) Model based on National Education Standards (NES) for Public Vocational High Schools (PVHS) in Medan; (2) evaluate the Sustainable Development Goal of the feasibility of the model in optimizing school principals' performance; and (3) assess a Sustainable Development Goal of the model’s effectiveness in improving leadership performance. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in TQM principles integrated with Indonesia's National Education Standards (NES). It emphasizes the role of structured planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling, alongside collaboration with educational supervisors. Method: A research and development (R&D) approach was employed, involving 10 public vocational school principals in Medan as respondents. The model's feasibility was evaluated by experts in material, design, and language, while its effectiveness was tested using N-Gain analysis. Results and Discussion: The study yielded an National Education Standards-based TQM model with four key elements: planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling or supervision, enriched by personalized strategies involving educational supervisors. The model's feasibility was confirmed with high ratings from experts (90.30, 86.20, and 88.60, respectively). Its effectiveness was validated with an N-Gain score of 0.831, classified as "very effective." Performance optimization was evidenced by significant improvements across eight National Education Standards components, with scores ranging from 80.90% to 89.10%. Research Implications: The study underscores the importance of integrating TQM principles with NES to enhance leadership in vocational education. It offers practical insights for policymakers and education supervisors. Originality/Value: This research introduces a robust, empirically new validated TQM model tailored to Indonesia's vocational education system, addressing a critical gap in performance optimization for school principals.