Strategic Controlling for Educational Quality Improvement: A Qualitative Study in an Indonesian Public Elementary School

Controlling is a fundamental management function that ensures the achievement of educational objectives through systematic monitoring, evaluation, and follow-up of program implementation. However, studies on controlling from the perspective of Islamic Educational Management have predominantly conceptualized supervision as an administrative function, while the integration of Islamic values and collaborative approaches into controlling practices in public schools remains underexplored empirically. This study aims to analyze the implementation of controlling in improving educational quality and to identify how the values of amanah (trustworthiness), honesty, responsibility, and accountability are integrated into educational supervision practices. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed at SD Negeri 064/VII Sukasari 2 Sarolangun, Indonesia. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation and analyzed through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that controlling is implemented through program monitoring, performance evaluation, assessment of standard achievement, and corrective follow-up involving school principals and teachers. These practices function not merely as administrative mechanisms but also reflect the values of amanah, responsibility, and accountability in educational management. The novelty of this study lies in conceptualizing controlling as a quality assurance mechanism that integrates managerial functions with Islamic values and a collaborative approach within the context of a public elementary school. Theoretically, the findings extend the perspective of Islamic Educational Management by positioning controlling as a value-based instrument for educational quality improvement. Academically, the study provides a foundation for developing adaptive and context-sensitive controlling models in educational management