DEVELOPING THE TWO-FOCUS EXECUTION AND SWITCHING LEADERSHIP MODEL (TFESL) FOR MANAGING DUAL EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS IN ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study aims to develop the Two-Focus Execution and Switching Leadership Model (TFESL) as an educational leadership management framework for managing dual educational systems in Islamic boarding schools. Islamic boarding schools integrate two different but interconnected educational orientations: formal academic education and pesantren-based religious education. However, institutional leaders frequently experience challenges in balancing academic management demands, boarding school traditions, curriculum integration, teacher coordination, and student development programs. This research employed a quantitative descriptive–correlational approach involving 80 educational stakeholders from three Madrasah Aliyah Islamic Boarding Schools in Indonesia. Data were collected using structured questionnaires measuring three main variables: Two Focus Execution Leadership (TFEL), Switching Leadership Capability (SLC), and Dual Educational System Management (DESM). Statistical analysis using SPSS revealed strong relationships between TFEL and SLC (r = 0.71, p < 0.01) and between SLC and DESM effectiveness (r = 0.76, p < 0.01). Regression analysis indicated that leadership execution and switching capability explained 68% of the variance in dual system management effectiveness. The findings demonstrate that adaptive leadership strategies enable Islamic boarding school leaders to balance academic and religious management functions effectively. The TFESL Model provides a practical leadership framework for strengthening organizational adaptability, integrated decision-making, and sustainable educational management within Islamic boarding school environments.