TV smarts

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

* Today. “Othello” (Bravo, 5-6:30 p.m.) Viewing this 1952 movie version of Shakespeare’s play, in conjunction with reading the printed text, is suggested as Advance Placement test preparation in the “English Overview” section of Educational Testing Service’s Web site: www.Collegeboard.org. Orson Welles stars and directs. Available on video.

Also, “The Devil’s Disciple” (TCM, 10-11:30 p.m.), a filmed version of a George Bernard Shaw play. Lawrence Olivier, in the role of Gen. Burgoyne, subtly conspires with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas to dramatize how British stupidity caused the loss of 13 colonies in North America. Available on video. Log on to https://TCM.turner.com for information on the series, “Playwrights on Screen,” which includes background material on this play and others by Eugene O’Neill, Noel Coward, Tennessee Williams, Lillian Hellman and Clifford Odets.

* Friday. “Roman Roads: Path to Empire” (History, 5-6 p.m.), a documentary on the Roman highway system, explains the engineering methods used to construct a 50,000-mile highway network intended to last forever. Unfortunately, while enabling Roman armies to penetrate three continents, the roads also helped foes find Rome. But the roads survived the traffic and many stretches are still usable today.

Also, “Dateline NBC” (KNBC, 8-9 p.m.). This program contains a report, jointly produced by NBC and Discovery Channel, on an expedition led by herpetologist Steve Irwin into the Australian outback to study extremely venomous snakes. Sara James reports.

* Saturday. “Teen Pregnancy . . . The Untold Truth” (BET, 9-11 a.m.) A documentary and live-discussion program, suitable for viewers elementary through high school age, on the myths surrounding teen pregnancy. It is intended to foster discussion between teens and parents. Hosts include Keisha Knight Pulliam, George Gore II, Maia Campbell and Laurie Fortier. Log onto the chat line at www.msbet.com

* Sunday. “As It Happened--Israel: Birth of a Nation” (History, 10 p.m.-midnight) This documentary, which marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel, is hosted and narrated by Sir Martin Gilbert, author of the newly published “Israel: A History” (William Morrow & Co.).

*

--Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, associate dean, College of Education, Cal State Northridge