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--”48 Hours: Ecstasy” (KCBS 8-9 p.m.) Reports on how laws are being toughened against Ecstasy, the popular party drug. A report will follow on MTV from 10-11 p.m. titled “True Life: I’m on Ecstasy,” about the drug’s effect on four people. Also, “Half Past Autumn: The Life and Works of Gordon Parks” (HBO 9-10:30 p.m.) A documentary on an American Renaissance man--photographer, poet, musician, author and filmmaker--airs on his 88th birthday. Produced by Denzel Washington and directed by St. Clair Bourne.

* Friday--”Ethics in America” (KCET 3-4 p.m.) Experts with widely differing views debate whether it serves the cause of justice to publicize the private conduct of public officials. Also, “Dateline NBC” (KNBC 9-10 p.m.) Examines how a person without proper medical training can get hired by a clinic and do business as a doctor undetected as a fraud. Hota Kotbe reports.

* Saturday--”Dogs With Jobs: The Heroes” (KCET 5-7 p.m.) Explains how dogs are trained to help autistic children, rescue people buried in collapsed buildings and find lost pets. Also, “Alaska Pipeline” (DISC 8-9 p.m.) Documentary episode of the “On the Inside” series describes the 800-mile earthquake- and freeze-proof engineering marvel that transports oil from the Arctic to the site made famous by the Exxon Valdez tanker.

* Sunday--”Catherine the Great” (A&E; 8-10 p.m.) Movie based on the life of the German princess who was brought to the Russian czar at 15 and became empress of the nation 200 years ago. Cast includes Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jeanne Moreau, Mel Ferrer and Omar Sharif.

* Monday--”The Sacco-Vanzetti Case” (HIST 5:30-6 p.m.) Describes the 1920s labor unrest that was met by a U.S. government crackdown on unions and resulted in a famous trial and execution of two innocent anarchists charged with armed robbery.

* Tuesday--”The Sea Hawk” (TCM 7:15-9:30) Movie version of the classic Rafael Sabatini novel, an exciting and instructive historical tale about a fictional English pirate in the service of Queen Elizabeth I in her conflicts with the Spanish Empire. International cast includes Errol Flynn, Claude Rains and Gilbert Roland.

* Wednesday--”Learning for Life: Kids and Learning Differences” (DISN 7-7:30p.m., repeats 9:25-10:05 p.m.) Documentary about children with learning disabilities and disorders and how these medical conditions are often the root of behavioral problems and low self-esteem.

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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 at https://www.calendarlive.com/go/tvsmarts.