Evaluation of the Center of Excellence Vocational High School Program in Mataram City

Abstract

The Vocational High School Center of Excellence program is a strategic government policy aimed at transforming vocational education to enhance the relevance of graduates to the needs of the business world and industrial world. However, the effectiveness of the program's implementation requires systematic evaluation, particularly at the regional level. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of the Vocational High School Center of Excellence program in Mataram City, examined through the aspects of planning, execution, supervision, and the achievement of program objectives using a Goal-Oriented Evaluation approach. This research employs a qualitative evaluative approach, with the research subjects consisting of three State Vocational High Schools implementing the Vocational High School Center of Excellence in Mataram City. Data collection techniques include in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation studies. Data analysis was conducted through the stages of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results of the research indicate that program planning has referred to the national Vocational High School Center of Excellence policy; however, the involvement of the business world and industrial world in the planning stage is still limited. Program implementation has encouraged industry-based learning and teaching factories, but it is not yet optimal due to limitations in facilities, teacher readiness, and consistency of implementation. Furthermore, program supervision has not been implemented systematically and sustainably. In general, the objectives of the Vocational High School Center of Excellence program in Mataram City have been partially achieved. This research recommends strengthening vocational education management, increasing industrial partnerships, and establishing a goal-oriented monitoring and evaluation system.