TV Smarts

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

* Today: The Republican Convention (KABC, KCBS, KNBC, 7-8 p.m.). The networks summarize events of the GOP convention, which ends today. KMEX will air Spanish-language coverage from 10 to 11 p.m.

Also, “Mr. Music” (ODSY, 9-11 p.m.). In this movie about the inner workings of the recording industry, a 15-year-old music fanatic becomes vice president of a company. The CEO of the firm is played by Mick Fleetwood, who in real life founded the group Fleetwood Mac.

* Friday: “Elizabeth” (SHOW, 8-10 p.m.). In this Oscar-winning biographical movie about the strong, intelligent woman who led 16th century England from the status of a pawn in European politics to the position of a great power, Cate Blanchett gives a memorable performance as Queen Elizabeth I. Available on video.

Also, “Bill Moyers Special: The High Cost of Free Speech” (KCET, 9-10:30 p.m.). In this documentary, the veteran journalist explores the implications of a system in which big money monopolizes the media and therefore public attention.

* Saturday: “Science and Technology Week” (CNN, 11:30 a.m.-noon). Documentary about the latest technology permitting top medical specialists to care for several patients simultaneously in geographically separate hospitals using audio-video conferencing and electronic readouts of vital signs.

Also, “The Joy Luck Club” (KTLA, 8-10 p.m.). This movie version of Amy Tan’s novel about four women who overcome terrible privations in China and then deal with the assimilation of their daughters into American life sticks close to the book. Tan co-wrote the screenplay. Cast includes Rosalind Chao, Tamlyn Tomita and France Nuyen.

* Sunday: “60 Minutes” (KCBS, 7-8 p.m.). Children overcoming adversity is the main topic of this newsmagazine. Mike Wallace reports on the Knowledge Is Power Program, begun at a public elementary school in Houston, which operates 12 hours a day, six days a week, providing an environment that turns low-scoring students into scholarship winners at top private prep schools. Ed Bradley profiles Frank McCourt, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Angela’s Ashes,” who grew up in poverty in Ireland.

Also, “The Mexican Americans” (KCET, 8-9:30; repeating 9:30-11 p.m.). This documentary about the Mexican culture and influence in the U.S. includes interviews with U.S. Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson, director Luis Valdez, singer Vikki Carr and comedian Paul Rodriguez. The program also airs next Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

* Monday: “Beavers--Dam It All the Way” (DISC, 7-8 p.m.). This is a documentary about an animal that changes the environment almost as much as humans do, altering the forest and engineering changes in water level where they live.

* Tuesday: “Like Water for Chocolate” (Bravo, 3-5 p.m.). This movie version of Laura Esquivel’s novel, for which she wrote the screenplay, manages simultaneously to tell the history of her family, the history of Mexico since its 1910 revolution and the history of fine Mexican cuisine. Rated TV-14. The movie airs in Spanish with subtitles. The novel appeared in both Spanish and English in the U.S. and became a bestseller.

* Wednesday: “A House Divided” (SHOW, 8-9:45 p.m.). This is a movie about a southern woman of mixed race during the 1880s who struggles to keep a fortune she has inherited and build a relationship with her ex-slave mother. It is based on author Kent Anderson Leslie’s historical account, “Woman of Color, Daughter of Privilege: Amanda Dickson.” Rated TV-14.

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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.