ATLANTA (AP) — Jurors are set to begin deliberations in the trial of a dozen former Atlanta Public Schools educators accused of participating in a test cheating conspiracy.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that jurors are to hear an explanation of the law Thursday morning and then begin deciding the outcome of the case.
A grand jury indicted 35 educators in March 2013. Many reached plea agreements with prosecutors. Educators have said they faced pressure from supervisors to inflate standardized test scores to show gains in student achievement.
The trial began in August with more than six weeks of jury selection. Testimony concluded in late February.
In closing arguments this week, an attorney representing one defendant accused prosecutors of overreaching in charging them with violating laws that are usually linked to organized crime.
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Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, https://www.ajc.com
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