TV Smarts

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

* Today. “Be a Better Parent” (KABC, 9-10 p.m.) This documentary, one in a series of “ABC News Summer Thursday” specials, contains segments relevant to students who will encounter the topic of parenting in social science classes this fall. Diane Sawyer reports on “How Does a Baby’s Brain Develop?” and also interviews children on their concepts of right and wrong. Deborah Roberts reports on what to do when kids are overindulged and become spoiled. John Stossel reports on what happens when parents overuse TV as a baby sitter.

* Friday. “Climates” (KCET, 4:30-5 p.m.) This episode of the PBS series “Bill Nye the Science Guy” explains to younger viewers why we are having weather conditions so different from what we normally expect. Also, “Edward R. Murrow: Voice of America” (A & E, 5-6 p.m. repeating 9-10 p.m.). This documentary in the “Biography” series uses interviews and film clips to evoke the memory of the brave and skilled reporter often credited with raising radio and television journalism to the highest level of constructive influence.

* Saturday. “Heaven’s Mirror” (TLC, 3-4 p.m.) This documentary in the “Quest for Lost Civilizations” series is about evidence from archeological sites in the Middle East and Latin America that reveal striking similarities in techniques--and accuracy--of astronomical observation.

Also, “What’s Right With Southern California” (KCBS, 4-5 p.m.). The subject of this documentary is the economy of California, containing examples of places and ways Southern California is recovering from the bad times that hit earlier in the decade. Ann Martin and Michael Tuck host.

* Sunday. “Another Mitzvah” (KCET, 3-4 p.m.) In this documentary, using vintage film footage, family photos and accounts of individual experiences, American Jews explore their traditions and culture, plus the influence of their heritage on U.S. society and their own lives.

--Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, associate dean, College of Education, Cal State Northridge. For references to books, videos and Web sites recommended in the past month’s TV Smarts, log on www.calendarlive.com/HOME/CALENDARLIVE/TVENT/TVSMARTS.