TV Smarts

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

* Today--”First in the Nation: The New Hampshire Primary” (CNN 4:30-6 p.m.) This live news special covers a discussion at Dartmouth College among Republican presidential candidates John McCain, Gary Bauer, Steve Forbes and Alan Keyes. Also, “The Night of the Headless Horseman” (KTTV 8-9 p.m.) This is a new animated version of the classic Washington Irving story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” about a scaredy-cat teacher with the unforgettable name of Ichabod Crane pursued by a frightening apparition. The book, available in paperback (Tor, $3) is suitable for readers 4 to 8 years old.

* Friday--”Food for the Ancestors” (KCET 9-10 p.m.) Documentary about the traditional Mexican Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in remembrance of departed loved ones. Also recommended: The Latino Museum of History, Art and Culture in downtown Los Angeles will have a free exhibition, “Day of the Dead/Dia de los Santos” about the celebration of All Saints Day in Guatemala, running from Nov. 2 to Dec. 14. Call (213) 626-3804. Also, “Storm Warning” (DISC 10-11 p.m.) This documentary presents the latest information about the probable effects of both El Nino and La Nina on U.S. weather next year--floods in the Northwest, drought in the Southwest and tornadoes in the Midwest. See www.noaa.gov.

* Saturday--”The Adventures of the Little Prince” (Spanish-language version) (INTL 6-7 a.m.) Airing on the International Channel at an awkward hour and not available in all areas of Los Angeles County, this new animated series is recommended by the National Education Assn. as an aid to language and literature study in any class. Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s classic tale is the basis for this series written and produced by Jameson Brewer, who scripted “Fantasia” for Disney. The book is available at public libraries in Spanish, as well as in English and the original French.

* Sunday--”Black America Today: Race to the 21st Century” (KNBC noon-1 p.m.) Documentary about how Americans’ attitudes about racial matters will be altered by oncoming demographic changes. Also, “Venom” (CNBC 8-9 p.m.) This National Geographic special airs on Halloween and looks at seriously scary stuff--bodily secretions employed by scorpions and snakes to kill their prey. See www.nationalgeographic.com.

* Monday--”A National Treasure--The White House Art Collection” (OVTN 9-9:30 p.m.) This tour is conducted by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. Not since Jackie Kennedy hosted a similar tour decades ago on black-and-white TV has the public seen any of the art collected by the families that have lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Included are works by Stuart, Sargent, de Kooning, O’Keeffe and Kandinsky. Available on video from Ovation Channel--log on to www.ovationtv.com and click on F.A.Q.

* Tuesday--”The Mighty Mississippi” (HIST 3-4 p.m. repeats 10-11 p.m.) The first episode of a four-part documentary about the Big River covers the geology, history and culture of the area.

* Wednesday--”The Mighty Mississippi” (HIST 3-4 p.m repeats 10-11 p.m.) The second episode of the series looks at steamboats. Also recommended are the final episodes, “War Along the River” and “America’s River,” airing in the same time slot Thursday and Friday. See www.historychannel.com.

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