TV Smarts

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

* Today--”Delta Jews” (KCET 10-11 p.m.) With remarkable candor, this documentary about immigrant Jews who settled in the Mississippi Delta in the last century explores the challenges of assimilation and anti-Semitism, plus the relationship between African -Americans and Jews. Alfred Uhry narrates.

* Friday--”Emergency Vets--Tails of the Hearts” (ANML 8-9 p.m.) Tonight’s special hourlong edition of this daily series on veterinarians looks at the emotional aspects of their work--difficult cases and their relationships with their own families’ pets. Previews from the fall season air 9-10 p.m., and the season’s first episode airs at 10 p.m.

* Saturday--”National Geographic Special: Search for Submarine I-52” (KNBC 8-9 p.m.) Documentary on an effort to locate a Japanese submarine that sank in the Pacific with two tons of gold aboard and causing the death of 95 crewmen. The expedition involved Americans using Russian underwater technology and recently declassified U. S. WWII documents.

* Sunday--”Mummies of Gold” (CNBC 8-9 p.m.) Episode previews next month’s main feature on the recent discovery of 100 Roman-era mummies in Egypt. Zahi Hawass, director general of the Giza pyramids, hosts. Also, “P. T. Barnum” (A&E; 9-11 p.m., Part I). Biographical account of the pioneer American impresario who created “The Greatest Show on Earth.” This movie emphasizes Barnum’s charm and resourcefulness in the face of adversity and provides a vivid look at social conditions in America in the late 1900s. Beau Bridges stars. (Part II airs Monday, 9-11 p.m.)

* Monday--”Universe 2001: Beyond the Millennium--Planets” (TLC 6-7 p.m.) Documentary examines the new theory that the planets were formed from large lumps of frozen water colliding through the solar system. TLC airs “Life” from 7-8 p.m., describing the work of the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence project, including a discussion of procedures developed for dealing with the first extraterrestrial contact.

* Tuesday--”Journey to the Center of the Earth” (USA 8-10 p.m., Part I) New miniseries based on Jules Verne’s classic novel about a fictional geologist’s exploration of the interior of the planet. Part II airs Wednesday from 8-11 p.m. Treat Williams stars. For background on the original novel and information on the special effects used in this movie, log on to www.usanetwork.com.

* Wednesday--”El Grito!” (KMEX 10-11 p.m.) This live special originating from the Los Angeles Civic Center and Presidential Palace in Mexico City commemorates “El Grito de Dolores,” the call for independence Sept. 15, 1810, when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla urged Mexicans to battle against Spanish rule. Musical stars from Los Angeles and Mexico are scheduled to participate, along with officials such as Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo, and Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan and Councilmen Mike Hernandez, Alex Padilla and Nick Pacheco.

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.