Educational Management Strategies in Improving Student Discipline at Special Needs Schools in Batam City

Abstract

This study aims to analyze educational management strategies in improving student discipline at special needs schools in Batam City. Student discipline is an important aspect of the educational process, particularly in special education settings where students possess diverse cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral characteristics. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach to obtain an in-depth understanding of how educational management strategies are implemented in improving discipline among students with special needs. The study was conducted in several special needs schools in Batam City involving school principals, teachers, administrative staff, parents, and students as research participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies, and analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, including data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing.The findings reveal that educational management strategies significantly contribute to improving student discipline through structured school routines, positive reinforcement, adaptive classroom management, collaborative leadership, and parental involvement. School principals played important roles in coordinating disciplinary programs and creating supportive school cultures, while teachers implemented individualized behavioral approaches adjusted to students’ special needs. The study also found that positive reinforcement and emotional guidance were more effective than punitive approaches in developing discipline among students with disabilities. In addition, supportive learning environments and collaboration between schools and families strengthened students’ behavioral adaptation and compliance with school regulations. However, several challenges were identified, including limited infrastructure, insufficient teacher training, and inconsistent parental involvement. Therefore, strengthening educational management systems, improving teacher competencies, and enhancing collaboration among educational stakeholders are essential for creating sustainable disciplinary cultures in special needs schools.