TV Smarts

Some broadcast and cable programs contain material included in the public school curriculum and on standardized examinations in grades 2-12. Here are some viewing tips:

* Today--”Y2K: The Winter of Our Disconnect” (KCET 8-9 p.m.) Documentary about Year 2000, which is expected to affect some computers, and the extent of preparations to handle it. Host Robert X. Cringley has some ideas about what people at home might do to avoid being inconvenienced. For more information, log on to www.pbs.org/y2kwinter/cringely.html.

* Friday--”American Presidents--Life Portraits: John F. Kennedy” (C-SPAN 5-8 p.m.) This in-depth televised report from historic sites connected to President Kennedy includes interviews with people knowledgeable about his life and career. For more information: www.americanpresidents.org. Recommended reading: “Picture Book of John F. Kennedy” by David Adler.

* Saturday--”The Shock of the New” (OVTN 7-8 p.m.) First of eight episodes of a provocative art history series originally aired on PBS. Tonight, “The Mechanical Paradise.” Subsequent episodes will air in this time slot, concluding Dec. 24 with “The Future That Was.” Series recommended for taping. Recommended reading: “The Shock of the New” by series host Ted Hughes.

* Sunday--”Not for Ourselves Alone: The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony” (KCET 8-10 p.m.) First part of a documentary miniseries about the two people considered mainly responsible for securing the right to vote for half the American population. Leaders of the women’s rights movement in the 19th century, Stanton and Anthony fought traditions and laws barring women from casting ballots in public elections. Their work led to the ratification of a U.S. constitutional amendment in 1920 granting women the right to vote. Created by Ken Burns and Paul Barnes (“The Civil War”). Recommended reading: “Not for Ourselves Alone,” published by Knopf. For more information: www.pbs.org/stantonanthony.

* Monday--”Not for Ourselves Alone” (KCET 8-10 p.m.) Second part of the Stanton-Anthony documentary.

* Tuesday--”Decoding Nazi Secrets” (KCET 8-10 p.m.) Documentary about the role of mathematics in creating and “breaking” secret codes in wartime provides context for understanding current news reports about the use of cryptography by legitimate and illegitimate businesses. Through its dramatic and little-known information about the development of electronic computing, the program could inspire young viewers to consider careers in mathematics. A special Web site with math and code contests is available at: www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/decoding.

* Wednesday--”Chinese Explorers” (HIST 12:30-1 p.m.) This documentary in the “In Search of ... “ series designed to stimulate critical thinking about historical topics explores evidence that a Buddhist monk named Hu-Shen reached the North American continent in 458 B.C. Recommended for taping.

Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, dean of the School of Education, College of St. Mary, Albany, N.Y. Columns available at www.latimes.com/tvsmarts.