TV Smarts

Some broadcast and cable programs contain material included in the public school curriculum and on standardized examinations. Here are home-viewing tips:

* Today--�Something of Value� (TCM 7-9 p.m.) Movie based on Robert Ruark’s novel about Africa. Sidney Poitier and Rock Hudson star as Kenyans whose friendship since childhood can’t prevent their ending up on opposite sides during the Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule.

* Friday--�Dateline NBC� (KNBC 9-10 p.m.) A natural-history segment produced in collaboration with the Discovery Channel on how dolphins swim and dive. “The Creation� (KLCS 10 p.m.-midnight) Classical music special includes a complete performance of Franz Josef Haydn’s 18th century oratorio based on biblical text.

* Saturday--�A Bell for Adano� (KCET 9-11 p.m.) Movie based on John Hersey’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about the impact of the American military on the Adriatic. Set in Italy during World War II, it provides comparisons with situations faced today by U.S. servicemen in Kosovo.

* Sunday--�Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book� (KABC 7-9 p.m.) Movie based on Kipling’s classic for young readers about a boy raised in the jungle and taken away to live in “civilization.� Jason Scott Lee plays Mowgli. “From the Earth to the Moon� (HBO 7-9 p.m.) Rebroadcast of miniseries about the scientists, astronauts and families involved in the first moon landing 30 years ago. Series continues with two episodes each night from 7-9 p.m. through July 23. “Amazing Earth� (DISC 8-10 p.m.) Documentary about activity inside the earth broadcast in connection with the launch of a new, live interactive Web site running until July 25 and provided by the American Museum of Natural History. Check https://www.discovery.com.

* Monday--�Tortilla Flat� (TCM 8-10 p.m.) Movie based on the John Steinbeck novel and directed by Victor Fleming, showing life in a California fishing village. Spencer Tracy stars.

* Tuesday--�The Life of Birds� (KCET 9-10 p.m.) Initial episode of a 10-part David Attenborough nature series. Tonight, “To Fly or Not to Fly� describes the evolutionary period when ancient species of flying animals gave up flight and became land reptiles while others developed feathers and took to the air. “48 Hours Tuesday Adventures: Animal Magnetism� (KCBS 10-11 p.m.) Documentary provides examples of the bonding between scientists and animals that can occur during research, involving orangutans in Indonesia, penguins in Antarctica and birds migrating across North America.

* Wednesday--�Add It Up� (KCET 2:30-3 p.m.) Documentary about how parents can become more involved in their children’s math education by understanding recent changes in how math is taught. Different types of student assessments are explained, including standardized tests, performance-based assessments and portfolios.

Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, dean of the School of Education, College of St. Rose, Albany, N.Y. Columns available at http://ukobiw.net./tvsmarts.