TV Smarts

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

* Today--”31st NAACP Image Awards” (KTTV 8-10 p.m.) A survey of last year’s achievements by African Americans in film, TV, music and literature. Diana Ross hosts.

* Friday--”Moesha (KCOP 8-9 p.m.) The family discovers that its teenage son has brought drugs into the house. In the second episode, the family enters counseling. Also, “Teen Files: The Truth About Drugs” (KCOP 9-10 p.m.) Drug tragedies that began with preteen use are presented in first-person case histories filmed in San Diego, Bakersfield and Seattle.

* Saturday--”A Promise Kept: the Oksana Baiul Story” (ODSY noon-2 p.m., repeats 6-8 p.m.) The Olympic gold medalist plays herself in this story based on her life. Recommended reading: “Oksana: My Own Story.” Also, “BookTV--Confucius Lives Next Door: What Living in the East Teaches Us About Living in the West” (C-SPAN2 BookTV 4-5 p.m.) Washington Post bureau chief Tom R. Reid describes the influence of Confucian values in China, Japan and East Asia in maintaining low crime and high educational achievement.

* Sunday--”Earth Matters: Coastal Ark” (CNN 11:30 a.m.-noon) An educational program in the coastal area of Georgia uses a van to bring experts, documents and sea creatures to schools, government offices, developers and civic clubs to tell them how their activities affect the coastline. Also, “Don Quixote” (TNT 8-11 p.m.) Movie version of Cervantes’ masterpiece stars John Lithgow in the title role and Bob Hoskins as his faithful servant. Educational material available at https://www.turnerlearning.com. Also, “The American President” (KCET 9-11 p.m.) A look at the political dynasties of Roosevelt, Kennedy, Harrison and Adams. A second documentary looks at some vice presidents who assumed office upon the death of a president--Tyler, Fillmore, Andrew Johnson and Truman.

* Monday--”Dear America: A Line in the Sand” (HBO 4:30-5 p.m.) Texas’ 1836 fight for independence from Mexico from the viewpoint of a teenage heroine. Also, “Under Fire” (HIST 9-10 p.m.) First of four episodes on the U.S. Marshals Service, which also conducted the census, begins with the 1784 Whiskey Rebellion, which claimed the first of 300 marshals killed in the line of duty. Series continues nightly until Thursday.

* Tuesday--”Protectors of Justice” (HIST 9-10 p.m.) A look at the procedures used by U.S. marshals to arrest and transport prisoners and handle property.

* Wednesday--”Shakespeare--The Animated Tales: Julius Caesar” (HBO 6-6:30 a.m.) This animated series introduces younger viewers to the works of William Shakespeare. Also, “The Old West” (HIST 9-10 p.m.) A look at the U.S. marshals’ role in the American West.

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