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. “Wishbone” (KCET, 4-4:30 p.m.) Sir Walter Scott’s “Ivanhoe” is the classic book dramatized in this episode of PBS’ popular series for elementary-school children. VCR+82006. Also, “Superintendent of Public Instruction Debate” (KCET, 7-7:30 p.m.) This is a “KCET Life & Times” telecast of a debate between Delaine Eastin, the incumbent, and challenger Gloria Matta-Tuchman, a leader in the Prop. 227 anti-bilingual education initiative. VCR+68938.

* Friday. “Great Minds of American History” (History, 6-7 p.m., repeating 10-11 p.m.) Tonight’s episode of this series of profiles of American historians features Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough. His books include “Truman,” “Mornings on Horseback” about Teddy Roosevelt, and “The Path Between the Seas” about the Panama Canal. VCR+43656 (and VCR+92859 for the repeat). (On Sunday at 9 a.m., C-SPAN 2 will air a talk by McCullough given at Claremont KcKenna College).

Also recommended, “John Glenn: A Pioneer Returns” (Discovery, 9-10 p.m.) This is a documentary in the Emmy-winning “Discovery News” series, co-produced with ABC News, on the scientific aspects of Sen. John Glenn’s forthcoming space shuttle mission. VCR+244385.

* Saturday. “The Right Stuff” (TNT, noon-4:30 p.m.) This is the Oscar-winning movie made from Tom Wolfe’s best-selling nonfiction book about the early days of America’s manned space program. Ed Harris plays John Glenn. VCR+674786.

Also recommended, “Life of the Party” (LIFE 2-4 p.m.) This is a movie based on Christopher Ogden’s historical biography of Pamela Digby Churchill Hayward Harriman, the U.S. Ambassador to France who died last year. Ann-Margret stars. Parental discretion advised. VCR+521958.

Also recommended, “Book TV--Children’s Books,” (C-SPAN 2, noon-1 p.m.) Author Vicki Cobb discusses “Blood and Gore, Like You’ve Never Seen,” her new Scholastic Book, which takes young readers on a journey through the human body.

* Sunday. “A Respectable Trade” (KCET, 9-11 p.m.) This is a “Masterpiece Theatre” miniseries adapted for TV by Philippa Gregory from her novel. The interracial love story between the wife of a Bristol slave trader and an African noble is set against the background of English abolitionist William Wilberforce’s campaign to put British slave ships out of business, following the American Revolution. VCR+78699. (Part II airs Monday, 9-11 p.m.)

--Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, associate director for teacher education, Cal State University System. 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