TV Smarts

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

* Today--”48 Hours: Courage” (KNBC 10-11 p.m.) Documentary follows the careers of people unimpeded by their physical conditions: a deaf Detroit Tigers ballplayer, a competitive runner with prosthetic feet and a high-achieving college student disfigured by burns.

* Friday--”Madadayo” (TCM 5-7-30 p.m.) First in a retrospective series on the movies of the late Japanese director Akira Kurosawa showing Fridays on TCM. Followed at 7:30 p.m. by his “Sanshiro Sugata,” set in Japan during World War II. Kurosawa’s descriptions of Japanese life during this millennium have influenced movies such as “Star Wars” and “The Magnificent Seven.” Log on to www.turnerclassicmovies.com for details.

* Saturday--”National Geographic Explorer Special Edition” (KNBC 8-9 p.m.) Hosted by Matt Lauer, this show contains a sampling of documentary material that will be presented in a weekly series airing on CNBC starting Sunday at 8 p.m. Tonight’s preview includes material on rattlesnakes, female mountain climbers and great white sharks.

* Sunday--”Chipping Off the Old Block” (KCET 6-7 p.m.) A witty and thought-provoking look at the American work ethic, ranging from Girl Scout cookie selling to high technology. Will Durst hosts. Also, “Hamlet” (TNT 8 p.m.-midnight) This 1996 movie changes the setting of Shakespeare’s classic from medieval Denmark to 19th century Prussia. Cast includes Kenneth Branagh, Robin Williams, Judy Dench, Billy Crystal, Kate Winslet, Sir John Gielgud and Jack Lemmon. An educational Web site comparing this version to the original play provides historical background and lesson plans for teachers at www.tnt.turner.com/specials/hamlet.

* Monday--”What Every Baby Knows” (FAM 11-11:30 a.m.) Initial episode of a daily health information series titled “Giving Birth,” hosted by Dr. Barry Brazelton, that provides a resource on topics such as fathers’ responsibilities, special-needs children, single motherhood and divorce.

* Tuesday--”Classes: Inside the Compton School District” (KCET 10-11 p.m.) Documentary by independent filmmakers Heather Finnegan and Scott Rivera, who examine the fight over control of local schools among the city of Compton, the state of California and members of the community. Students, teachers and parents say educational issues are neglected.

* Wednesday--”Charlie Rose” (KCET 4-5 p.m., repeats 11 p.m.-midnight) AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman are the guests on this Labor Day-themed show. Also, “Plumbing: The Arteries of Civilization” (HIST 7-8 p.m.) This documentary traces the history of pumps, pipes and potties--and urban development.

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.