WORTH NOTING ON TV

This guide is designed to alert readers to the scope and variety of programming coming up. Listing is not meant to represent blanket endorsement. Viewers are urged to be selective. THURSDAY

Cotton Bowl Parade (CBS, 10 a.m.)

Tournament of Roses Parade (NBC, 11 a.m.; CBS, 11:30 a.m.)

Bowl Games: Citrus (ABC, 12 noon); Cotton (CBS, 1:30 p.m.); Sugar (ABC, 3:30 p.m.); Rose (NBC, 4:45 p.m); Orange (NBC, 8 p.m.) SATURDAY

National Geographic Explorer (WTBS, 8-10 p.m.): Short documentaries for family viewing. SUNDAY

The Christian Science Monitor Reports (check local listings for day and time): Includes profile of Soviet expatriate writer Joseph Brodsky.

At Mother's Request (CBS, 9-11 p.m.; also Tues., 9-11 p.m.): Fact-based drama about the bizarre murder of a Utah millionaire by his son, allegedly at the bidding of his mother (Stephanie Powers).

Goodbye Mr. Chips (PBS, 9-10 p.m.): First in new three-part ``Masterpiece Theatre'' version of James Hilton novel about the headmaster of a British boy's school. MONDAY

On Fire (ABC, 9-11 p.m.): Drama about a retiree's attempt to recapture his dignity after age discrimination has forced his retirement.

To Be a Teacher (NBC,10-11 p.m.): Tom Brokaw takes a penetrating and devastating look at teaching as a career. TUESDAY

Do Not Enter: The Visa War Against Ideas (PBS, 9-10 p.m.): Controversial documentary probes the pros and cons of the State Department denial of visas to certain classes of foreigners.

Crisis on Federal Street (PBS, 10-11 p.m.): Hodding Carter focuses on a family living in Chicago's Robert Taylor Homes, the world's largest housing project and possibly America's poorest urban community. WEDNESDAY

Discover: The World of Science (PBS, 8-9 p.m.): Science magazine show with unusual segment on new Nova Scotia fossil find, which may link extinction of dinosaurs to colliding asteroids.

Back at the Ranch (PBS, 10-11 p.m.): Documentary on problems facing American ranchers. THURSDAY

Pennsylvania Whitetail (PBS, 8-8:30 p.m.): How the handling of white-tailed deer epitomises game management in the US.

Shell Game (ABC, 8-9 p.m.): Premi`ere of comedy-drama series starring Margot Kidder and James Read as con artists applying their talents on a consumer-action TV show. Listings are in Eastern Time; other zones may vary. Please check listings for all PBS programs, since local option often results in differing days and times.