APS CHEATING TRIAL

The start: Jury selection began Aug. 11. The scope: 12 defendants; 162 witnesses (133 called by prosecutors and 29 by defense attorneys); 18 weeks of testimony; potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison The background: A special investigation, prompted by Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporting, concluded there had been organized cheating on the 2009 Criterion Referenced Competency Tests. Several educators charged pleaded guilty to lesser charges, and some testified at the trial for the prosecution. The key issue: Whether the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to inflate scores on standardized tests The key figure: Former Superintendent Beverly Hall, who was charged but isn’t on trial with these 12 defendants because of her advanced cancer. She is to be tried separately if her health improves enough to allow it. The next step: A conference among the lawyers and judge March 11 to discuss instructions to jurors The finish:“We’re not over yet. The ultimate decisions will be in your lap, and that’s coming soon,”Judge Jerry Baxter told jurors Tuesday, when the defense rested and testimony concluded. Lawyers will make closing arguments March 16 and the jury will begin deliberating.