Quality Assurance Management of the Arabic Curriculum from the Perspective of W. Edwards Deming’s PDCA Cycle at SMA Arafah Bogor

Abstract

This study is motivated by the gap between curriculum planning and its implementation in improving educational quality, particularly in Arabic language curriculum management in Islamic boarding schools, as well as the need for an internal quality assurance system based on the PDCA cycle to ensure sustainable quality improvement. This research aims to describe the quality assurance management of the Arabic language curriculum through the Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS) based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle at SMA Pondok Pesantren Modern Lembah Arafah Bogor. This study employs a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through interviews, documentation, and observation, and analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldana model with data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing, supported by source and method triangulation. The findings reveal that the Plan stage is implemented through curriculum socialization and planning, but it remains largely administrative; the Do stage is dominated by conventional methods with limitations in innovation, time, and facilities; the Check stage focuses mainly on quantitative evaluation through examinations; and the Act stage produces several follow-up programs, although their implementation is not yet consistent or sustainable. This study contributes to the theoretical development of PDCA-based educational quality management in Islamic education and provides practical recommendations, including data-based planning improvement, teacher competence development, technology optimization, and strengthening a sustainable quality culture in Arabic language learning within Islamic educational institutions.