TV Smarts

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

* Today--”Mayor’s State of the City Address” (CITY35 10 a.m.-noon) Live from the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, Mayor Richard Riordan concludes his reports to the people of Los Angeles. Also, “Red Badge of Courage” (TCM 8-9:30 p.m.) Movie version of Stephen Crane’s novel about the Civil War soldier sticks to the plot and spirit of the book. Lead actor Audie Murphy fought in WWII and became America’s most decorated soldier. Also, “Chinese in the Frontier West” (KCET 10-11 p.m.) Describes Chinese migration to California during the Gold Rush.

* Friday--”Little Bill: Mom’s Trip” (NICK 11:30 a.m.-noon) Based on the new Bill Cosby book series for beginning readers ages 2-5, this episode of a new animated miniseries, “Ready, Set, Read!,” finds Little Bill missing his mom terribly when she takes her first business trip away from home. Little Bill’s voice is that of 6-year-old Xavier Pritchett; Pritchett’s mother, Phylicia Rashad, does the mother’s voice on the show. Episodes repeat regularly on KCBS on Saturdays, 8:30-9 a.m.

* Saturday--”Heart and Soul: The Story of Florence Nightingale” (C-SPAN2/BookTV 9-10 a.m.) Author Gena Gorrell discusses her new book for readers 9 and older about the woman who inspired the founding of the International Red Cross. Also, “Race Cars” (HIST 7-8 p.m.) Reviews the history of innovations, including composite materials and computers, that enable land travel at 300 mph. Also, “The Patriot” (HBO 9-1l p.m.) Movie on the American Revolution presents compelling, fictionalized events. Mel Gibson stars.

* Sunday--”Child Star: The Shirley Temple Story” (KABC 7-9 p.m.) Biographical movie about a girl who starred in 40 films between ages 6 and 12 and in later life became a United States ambassador and White House staff member. Recommended reading: Jean Blashfield’s book for readers 9 and older, “Shirley Temple Black: Actor and Diplomat.” Also, “Thunderbolts” (HIST 10-11 p.m.) Documentary about WWII P-47 fighter aircraft includes interviews with veterans and original color combat footage.

* Monday--”Biography of America: Reconstruction” (KLCS 9-9:30 p.m.) Describes the Union’s military occupation of the American South after the Civil War, and the impeachment and trial of President Johnson, who was thought to be too favorable to the ex-Confederacy.

* Tuesday--”Straight Up” (HIST 9-10 p.m.) Traces the history of man’s quest to fly straight up in the air, from DaVinci to Sikorsky to today’s vertical-jet and tilt-rotor planes. Also, “Virginia Woolf: The War Within” (OVTN 10-11 p.m.) Documentary about the English author whose controversial works helped reshape modern literature.

* Wednesday--”World’s Best: Bugs” (TRAV 8-9 p.m.) Natural science documentary enumerates the “top 10 bugs” in terms of their effect on human lives--from mosquitoes that spread lethal malaria to locusts that eat crops and bees that make honey.

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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.calendarlive.com/go/tvsmarts.