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--”Moral Imagination With Joseph Telushkin” (KCET 10-11 p.m.) In this broadcast on the eve of Hanukkah, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, of Austin, Texas, offers advice on how to lead a respectable, kind and truthful life in a morally complex world. Also, “48 Hours: The Fight to Forgive” (KCBS 10-11 p.m.) Follows three individuals coming to peace with their enemies--people who murdered a family member, parents who abandoned them in childhood and a foe in the Vietnam War.

* Friday--”Disney’s American Teacher Awards” (LIFE 7-9 p.m.) Awards ceremony broadcast from Los Angeles honors 33 outstanding American educators and profiles their work. Also, “Dateline NBC” (KNBC 9-10 p.m.) Kids from the East Coast competing in the National Spelling Bee experience pressure, elation and disappointment.

* Saturday--”David” (ODSY 2-6 p.m.) Covers the biblical story of King David from his defeat of Goliath through a 40-year reign that repeatedly challenged his religious faith. Also, “Great Books: Les Miserables” (TLC 10-11 p.m.) The first work of popular literature to capture the burdens of the poor and working class was hailed as a humane yet entertaining diagnosis of society. Commentary by scholars, prison officials and prisoners.

* Sunday--”Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration” (KCET 3-9 p.m.) Live telecast from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion features 39 community and professional dance troupes, choirs, bands and performers. Log on https://www.lacountyarts.org for times. Broadcast repeats 9 a.m. Christmas Day. Also, “Race for the Sun” (CNN 7-8 p.m.) About energy shortages and high prices related to use of fossil fuels and descriptions of alternatives. Also, “Alice in Wonderland” (KNBC 7-9 p.m.) Live action version of the Lewis Carroll novels “Through the Looking Glass” and “Alice in Wonderland” features an all-star cast led by Whoopie Goldberg and Martin Short.

* Monday--”Arthur’s Perfect Christmas” (KCET 8-9 a.m.) In this animated series for younger viewers, Arthur the Aardvark discovers that preparing perfect gifts and parties for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwaanza is difficult. Also, “History of the Holidays: Christmas Unwrapped” (HIST 9-10 a.m.) Notes that our modern holiday traditions stem from 19th century England, rather than the Roman winter solstice festivities that early Christians adapted and modified.

* Tuesday--”Hollywood Looks at the Bible” (AMC 6-7 p.m.) Examines movies from the silent era based on the Bible, from “King of Kings” to the the Oscar-winning “Ben Hur.” Also, “God in the Classroom” (HIST 10-11 a.m., repeats 3-4 p.m.) Mike Wallace reports on the history of inclusion and exclusion of prayer and other religious content in America classrooms.

* Wednesday--”Me & Isaac Newton (CMAX 5-7p.m.) Shows how seven top contemporary scientists think “outside the box,” resulting in Nobel prizes, post-Einstein physics, robotics, saving water sources and rain forests. Also, “Hamlet” (ODSY 7-11 p.m.) This Hallmark production of Shakespeare’s play sticks to the original text while changing the setting to early 1900s America. “The Kennedy Center Honors” (KCBS 9-11 p.m.) In a broadcast presenting excellent profiles of their careers, the artists honored this year are Chuck Berry, Placido Domingo, Clint Eastwood and Angela Lansbury.

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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/tvsmart.