PRINCIPALS' COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR DISSEMINATING EDUCATIONAL POLICY CHANGES

Educational policy changes require effective principal leadership communication strategies to ensure that policies are understood and implemented optimally by school communities. This study aims to analyze principal leadership communication strategies in disseminating educational policy changes, particularly through participatory communication, transformational leadership, resistance management, and the use of information technology. This study employs a qualitative approach using the library research method. Data were obtained from relevant scientific journal articles, academic books, educational institution reports, and policy documents. Data collection was conducted through documentation, while data analysis used content analysis involving data reduction, thematic categorization, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that open, two-way, and participatory communication can foster shared understanding and increase teacher involvement in policy implementation. Transformational leadership plays a role in strengthening the motivation, trust, and commitment of school community members toward change. Meanwhile, resistance management through dialogue and mentoring, combined with the use of information technology, can improve the effectiveness of information dissemination, coordination, and policy evaluation. Therefore, the success of educational policy change dissemination depends on principals' ability to integrate effective communication, collaborative leadership, continuous support, and systematic evaluation.