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--”Indigenous Always: The Legend of La Malinche and the Conquest of Mexico” (KLCS 8-9 p.m.) Examines the life and historical legacy of the 16th century Indian woman, a guide and advisor to Spanish conquistador Cortez and the mother of his son, who became a symbol of cultural creation and destruction in Mexico.

* Friday--”20th Century With Mike Wallace” (HIST 7-8 p.m.) Explores the recent phenomenon of diminishing income for an expanding category of poor Americans and the expanding income of a small group of very wealthy Americans.

* Saturday--”Children’s Books” (C-SPAN2/BookTV 9-10 a.m.) Author Bob Schaller discusses his children’s series “X-Country Adventures,” featuring fictionalized stories based on solving a mystery or riddle from different states’ histories. Also, “Ticks: The Real Vampires” (DISC 8-9 p.m.) Describes the health threats posed to humans by the tick, including transmission of viruses, bacteria and single-celled animals called nematodes.

* Sunday--”Crazy Horse” (ODSY 5-7 p.m.) Biography of the Oglala Sioux leader who organized the campaign against the U.S. Army. Includes a reenactment of his victory in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Also, “The Americanos Concert” (KCET 9-10:30 p.m.) Broadcast from the Kennedy Center in Washington tells the story of Latin American culture through musical performance.

* Monday--”The Making of the Founding Fathers” (HIST 6:30-7 p.m.) Presents a behind-the-scenes look at the History Channel’s upcoming series about the leaders of the American Revolution, including their familial and psychological backgrounds, with excerpts from their works read by Randy Travis, Burt Reynolds, Michael York and Beau Bridges. Also, “Daring to Resist” (KCET 10:30-11:30 p.m.) Documentary about three teenage girls who fought Nazi genocide in Poland, Holland and Hungary. Narrated by Janeane Garofalo.

* Tuesday--”Queen Margot” (Bravo 8-11 p.m.) Movie version of Alexandre Dumas’ novel about France in the 1500s during the civil war between Catholics and Protestants. Rated R for violence.

* Wednesday--”Jimmy Hoffa” (A&E; 8-9 p.m.) Documentary about the powerful labor leader who vanished mysteriously 25 years ago; it includes interviews with his family members, law enforcement and labor officials. Also, “Sixth Sense” (TLC 10-11 p.m.) Documentary presents the latest scientific research about the accuracy of gut instincts or instructions sent to the brain by the unconscious mind and memory.

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