TV Smarts

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

* Today. “Education Showcase” (Channel 29 on Time Warner Cable at 5:30-6 p.m., and Channel 6 on Century Cable and Avenue Cable at 6-6:30 p.m.) This nationally syndicated TV magazine previews shows that contain material in the school curriculum. In summertime the show points kids toward shows that aid them in remembering what they learned in the previous school year. It regularly includes segments videotaped at Buena High School in Ventura, with students giving their opinions on various programs. For details, log on www.educationshowcase.com.

* Friday. “Gulliver’s Travels: Part I” (KNBC, 9-11 p.m.) This is a rebroadcast of the critically acclaimed 1996 NBC live action production that, for the first time, dramatized almost the entirety of Jonathan Swift’s classic novel. The all-star cast includes Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen Sir John Gielgud, Alfre Woodard, Omar Sharif and Peter O’Toole. Part II airs Saturday, 9-11 p.m.

* Saturday. “Bonanza” (Family, 10-11 a.m.) This episode of the vintage TV western series contains important information, seldom covered in textbooks, about the western migration of African Americans. Ossie Davis stars in the fictionalized role, created from historical records, of a man and his family starting a new life in the West and encountering racism.

* Sunday. “The Mouse That Roared” (Bravo, noon-1:30 p.m.) Based on a classic Leonard Wibberly novel, the film comedy is set in a small country that decides to declare war on the U.S. and lose, all for the purpose of getting a lot of money in the form of foreign aid. Peter Sellers stars. The novel itself, suitable for readers 9-12, has been reissued this year (Scholastic Books, $1.75).

Also, “The Odyssey--Part I” (KNBC, 9-11 p.m. Part II airs Monday 9-11 p.m.). This is a summer rerun of a two-part TV movie based on Homer’s work, the oldest, and arguably the best, novel ever written. Although it has been rated TV-14, many librarians and elementary teachers recommend this production for viewing by students in elementary school through college age. NBC has provided further information for students and teachers at www.NBC.com.

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--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.