Most of the educators charged in the Atlanta schools cheating scandal are set to appear in court for formal arraignments.

A hearing is scheduled for Friday morning before Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter.

A grand jury in March indicted 35 educators accusing them of involvement in a broad conspiracy to cheat, conceal cheating or retaliate against whistleblowers. Prosecutors say the educators were driven at least in part by bonuses for improved student performance.

Four defendants were arraigned Thursday. Eight had their arraignments postponed until May 16. The remaining educators, including former Superintendent Beverly Hall, are set to appear in court Friday.

Baxter also plans to hear arguments from attorneys on both sides and from some media outlets regarding a gag order placed on the defendants in the case.

Tags: Atlanta Public Schools, CRCT cheating, test cheating, standardized test cheating scandal, standardized test cheating, APS Cheating, indictments, cheating indictments