Accelerating Curriculum Transformation: Integrating Stakeholder Commitment into Lewin’s Change Management Model in Kindergartens

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33650/al-tanzim.v10i2.13329
Authors

(1) * Endah Tejaningsih   (Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta)  
        Indonesia
(2)  Mudofir Mudofir   (Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta)  
        Indonesia
(3)  Yusup Rohmadi   (Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta)  
        Indonesia
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


This study aims to analyze curriculum change management in kindergartens, including obstacles and solutions. The approach used was a descriptive qualitative one, with principals and school administrators as research subjects and teachers as informants. This study took place from February to June 2025, with data collected through interviews, document analysis, and triangulation. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model. The results showed that the curriculum change management process in kindergartens followed the stages proposed by Lewin: the opening stage (planning), the change stage (implementation), and the refreezing stage (evaluation). A novelty found was the existence of accelerating factors in curriculum transformation that had not been specifically discussed in Lewin’s theory. These accelerating factors include the competence and commitment of principals and teachers, as well as good collaboration between internal and external stakeholders. The implications of these findings are the importance of improving the competence of principals and teachers in managing curriculum change, as well as the need to build effective communication between all relevant parties to accelerate the change process. This can be used as a reference in developing a more responsive and sustainable curriculum in kindergartens, thereby supporting the improvement of the quality of education from an early age.

Keywords

Change Management, Curriculum Transformation, Early Childhood Education



Full Text: PDF



References


Azah, N., Sholeh, M. I., Sahri, S., Wahrudin, B., & Muzakki, H. (2024). Management Challenges in Implementing the Merdeka Curriculum. Al-Hayat: Journal of Islamic Education. https://doi.org/10.35723/ajie.v8i3.711

Abbaspour, F., Hosseingholizadeh, R., & Bellibaş, M. Ş. (2024). Uncovering the Role of Principals in Enhancing Teacher Professional Learning in a Centralized Education System. International Journal of Educational Management, 38(3), 873–889. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-12-2023-0654

Ahsan, M. J. (2025). Cultivating a Culture of Learning: The Role of Leadership in Fostering Lifelong Development. The Learning Organization, 32(2), 282–306. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-03-2024-0099

Al-Asfour, A. (2025). Bridging Manufacturing: Insights From Industry Leaders for Enhanced Human Resource Development. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 27(2–3), 42–61. https://doi.org/10.1177/15234223251336365

Almusaed, A., Almssad, A., & Yitmen, I. (2025). Qualitative Data Collection and Management. In Practice of Research Methodology in Civil Engineering and Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide (pp. 417–454). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-97393-2_13

Alsuwaidi, A. (2023). Managing Change: Case Study of Al Asayel Primary School. European Journal of Business and Strategic Management. https://doi.org/10.47604/ejbsm.1894

Alzoraiki, M., Ahmad, A. R., Ateeq, A. A., Naji, G. M. A., Almaamari, Q., & Beshr, B. A. H. (2023). Impact of Teachers’ Commitment to the Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Sustainable Teaching Performance. Sustainability, 15(5), 4620. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054620

Asipi, L. S., Rosalina, U., & Nopiyadi, D. (2022). The Analysis of Reading Habits Using Miles and Huberman Interactive Model to Empower Students’ Literacy at IPB Cirebon. International Journal of Education and Humanities, 2(3), 117–125. https://doi.org/10.58557/ijeh.v2i3.98

Barokatin, R., & Sukinah, S. (2025). Bridging Policy and Practice: How Kindergarten Principals Manage Inclusive Education in Resource-Constrained Environments. Journal of Innovation and Research in Primary Education. https://doi.org/10.56916/jirpe.v4i4.2435

Bentayao, G. J., & Quibod, C. P. (2024). School Head’s Management Practices on Policy Changes in Davao City: Matatag Curriculum Implementation in Focus. EPRA International Journal of Environmental Economics, Commerce and Educational Management. https://doi.org/10.36713/epra18886

Bosco, L. J., Mugabo, A., Charles, M., John, K., Namagero, T. S., Mugenyi, D. K., Judith, N., Lawrence, S., Muhamadi, K., Justine, N., Mirembe, N. B., Shiba, N., & Mugagga, A. (2025). A Critical Analysis of Early Childhood Education Curriculum Reforms in Uganda: A Case Study of Buloba Primary Teachers College, Uganda. East African Journal of Education Studies. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajes.8.2.3092

Buabeng, I., & Amo-Darko, B. (2025). Curriculum Reforms Without Foundation: The Effects of Inadequate Preparation in Curriculum Reforms on Ghanaian Teachers and the Education System. Curriculum Perspectives, 45(2), 133–147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41297-025-00309-7

Burke, C. M., & Morley, M. J. (2023). Toward a Non-Organizational Theory of Human Resource Management? A Complex Adaptive Systems Perspective on the Human Resource Management Ecosystem in Contemporary Organizing. Human Resource Management, 62(1), 31–53. https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.22132

Friman, H., Banner, I., Sitbon, Y., Sahar-Inbar, L., & Shaked, N. (2024). Nurturing Eco-Literate Minds: Unveiling the Pathways to Minimize Ecological Footprint in Early Childhood Education. Social Sciences, 13(4), 187. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13040187

Islam, M. (2023). Managing Organizational Change in Responding to Global Crises. Global Business and Organizational Excellence. https://doi.org/10.1002/joe.22189

Jaafar, M. (2026). A Systematic Review and Framework for Organizational Agility Antecedents Toward Industry 4.0. Management Review Quarterly, 76(1), 487–512. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-025-00489-6

Kareem, J., & Prabakaran, N. (2025). Exploring the Factors of Learning Organization in School Education: The Role of Leadership Styles, Personal Commitment, and Organizational Culture. Central European Management Journal, 33(2), 232–251. https://doi.org/10.1108/CEMJ-12-2023-0457

Kim, S.-H. (2023). Early Childhood Curriculum Management Decision Making Structure for Sustainable Early Childhood Education. The Korea Association for Early Childhood Education and Educare Welfare. https://doi.org/10.22590/ecee.2023.27.3.57

Lismeni, C. L., Usman, N., Rasyid, S., & Afaidi, M. I. (2025). Situational Leadership of School Principals: Strategies for Strengthening the Quality of Learning in Elementary Schools. IJORER: International Journal of Recent Educational Research, 6(6), 2120–2138. https://doi.org/10.46245/ijorer.v6i6.1184

Liu, X., Guo, P., & Zhao, J. (2025). From Adaptation to Transformation: How to Stimulate Leaders’ Change-Oriented Organizational Citizenship Behaviors in Project-Based Temporary Organizations. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 38(1), 204–229. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-07-2024-0390

Macharia, J., Atieno, C., & Kwaba, J. (2023). Influence of School Leadership Culture on Students’ Academic Performance in Mixed Public Secondary Schools in Gucha Region Kisii County. International Journal for Innovation Education and Research. https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol11.iss9.4141

Mbanaso, U. M., Abrahams, L., & Okafor, K. C. (2023). Data Collection, Presentation and Analysis. In Research Techniques for Computer Science, Information Systems and Cybersecurity (pp. 115–138). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-30031-8_7

Mbarawi, W., & Amabibi, F. I. (2024). Collaboration and Accountability: Principal Ethical Leadership Behaviour and Job Commitment in Public Senior Secondary School in Rivers State. International Journal of Institutional Leadership, Policy and Management, 6(3), 348–365.

McMahon, K., Mugge, R., & Hultink, E. J. (2024). Overcoming Barriers to Circularity for Internal ICT Management in Organizations: A Change Management Approach. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 205, 107568. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107568

Mérida, A. J. A., Del Rocío Hurtado Mora, M., Rocío, C. B. E., & Del Pilar Jumbo Castillo, M. (2025). Innovation in Early Childhood Education Through Curriculum Adaptations for Inclusion and Integral Development. Architecture Image Studies. https://doi.org/10.62754/ais.v6i3.459

Miller, E. M., Porter, J. E., & Barbagallo, M. S. (2023). Simplifying Qualitative Case Study Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide Using a Palliative Care Example. The Qualitative Report, 28(8). https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2023.6478

Mouazen, A. M., Hernández-Lara, A. B., Abdallah, F., Ramadan, M., Chahine, J., Baydoun, H., & Bou Zakhem, N. (2024). Transformational and Transactional Leaders and Their Role in Implementing the Kotter Change Management Model Ensuring Sustainable Change: An Empirical Study. Sustainability, 16(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010016

Mtisi, S. (2022). The Qualitative Case Study Research Strategy as Applied on a Rural Enterprise Development Doctoral Research Project. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 21. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069221145849

Mulyadi, M., Ruswandi, U., Arifin, B. S., & Zaqiah, Q. Y. (2023). The Effect of Situational Leadership Style of Madrasah Principals Against Work Motivation and Teacher Performance. American Journal of Economic and Management Business, 2(1), 19–32. https://doi.org/10.58631/ajemb.v2i1.13

Nassir, M., & Benoliel, P. (2025). Transformational Leadership and Organizational Commitment: Unlocking the Potential of Collective Teacher Efficacy. Social Psychology of Education, 28(1), 202. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-025-10162-1

Ndari, W., Suyatno, Sukirman, & Mahmudah, F. N. (2023). Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and Its Challenges. European Journal of Education and Pedagogy. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejedu.2023.4.3.648

Neshteruk, C., Luecking, C., Kracht, C., Burkart, S., Melnick, E., Anderson, R., & Lane, H. (2025). Implementation Strategies Used in Policy, Systems, and Environmental Interventions Addressing Obesity-Related Outcomes in Early Childhood Education Settings: A Systematic Review. Implementation Science Communications, 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-025-00718-9

Nordin, A. S. M., Alias, B., & Haniff, M. H. M. (2023). Organizational Change Through Transformational Leadership Practices: The Principal’s Role. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v13-i12/20165

Pacheco-Cubillos, D. B., Boria-Reverter, J., & Gil-Lafuente, J. (2024). Transitioning to Agile Organizational Structures: A Contingency Theory Approach in the Financial Sector. Systems, 12(4), 142. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040142

Putri, N. K., Pranoto, Y. K. S., & Nuzulia, S. (2024). The Influence of Self-Regulation on Early Childhood Education Teachers’ Readiness for Curriculum Change in Indonesia. Golden Age: Jurnal Ilmiah Tumbuh Kembang Anak Usia Dini. https://doi.org/10.14421/jga.2024.93-12

Sabila, N. S., Formen, A., & Sutarto, J. (2025). Transition Management Toward Merdeka Curriculum at Early Childhood Education Not School Mover. JPUD - Jurnal Pendidikan Usia Dini. https://doi.org/10.21009/jpud.v19i1.51031

Şahin, N., & Bilir, F. P. (2024). The Effect of Transformational Leadership and Personal Cultural Values on Creating a Learning Organization. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-02701-6

Silva, S., Fraga, N., Andrade, R., & Venâncio de Vasconcelos, M. (2025). Leadership and Curriculum Innovation Through Semesterization: A Case Study From Portugal. Frontiers in Education, 10, 1715123. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1715123

Toprak, M., Karakus, M., & Chen, J. (2023). Transformational School Leadership: A Systematic Review of Research in a Centralized Education System. Journal of Educational Administration, 61(5), 514–530. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEA-10-2022-0185

Vasel, H. (2025). Factors Shaping the Implementation of Educational Organizational Change: An Analysis of Lewin’s Model in the Context of Teaching Innovations. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101599. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101599

Veseli, A., Hasanaj, P., & Bajraktari, A. (2025). Perceptions of Organizational Change Readiness for Sustainable Digital Transformation. Sustainability, 17(2), 619. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020619

Vong, K. C., Udomvitid, K., Ueki, Y., Intalar, N., Pongsathornwiwat, A., Pannakkong, W., Komolavanij, S., & Jeenanunta, C. (2025). Strategic Human Resource Development for Industry 4.0 Readiness. Sustainability, 17(15), 6988. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156988

Walker, E. (2024). Teacher Perceptions of Principal Impact on School Culture and Teacher Retention in Title 1 Schools. https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/4353

Weick, K., & Quinn, R. (2026). Organizational Change and Development. Annual Review of Psychology, 50, 361–386. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.50.1.361

Yunitasari, D., Suastra, W., & Lasmawan, W. (2023). Implementation Challenges of Merdeka Curriculum in Primary Schools. Prisma Sains: Jurnal Pengkajian Ilmu dan Pembelajaran Matematika dan IPA IKIP Mataram. https://doi.org/10.33394/j-ps.v11i4.8079

Zaini, M. (2024). The Impact of Teachers’ Perceptions and Readiness on Their Performance in the Implementation of the Independent Learning Curriculum. Al-Tanzim: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 8(3), 760–774. https://doi.org/10.33650/al-tanzim.v8i3.8504

Zerrad, H., & Schechter, C. (2025). Human Capital Development: Principals’ Challenges in Developing School Staff. Journal of Professional Capital and Community, 10(4), 503–517. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPCC-09-2024-0159.


Dimensions, PlumX, and Google Scholar Metrics

10.33650/al-tanzim.v10i2.13329


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2026 Endah Tejaningsih, Mudofir Mudofir, Yusup Rohmadi

Creative Commons License
 
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Al-Tanzim : Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam
Published by Lembaga Penerbitan, Penelitian, dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (LP3M) of Nurul Jadid University, Paiton, Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia.