Hawaii students, hoping that the economy is starting to rebound from its recession, began testing their stock-picking skills Monday in the state's Stock Market Simulation program.

The twice-a-year interactive contest kicked off with 1,240 students consisting of 310 teams and 31 schools representing Oahu, the Big Island and Mauii. There are 39 teachers involved in the 10-week competition, which ends Dec. 4.

“;We're very proud of the Hawaii SMS teacher and student participants,”; said Kristine Castagnaro, executive director of the Hawaii Council on Economic Education. “;The SMS teaches sound and measured investing principles. The skills these kids learn now will serve them well throughout their investing lives.”;

Students in grades 3 through 12 invest a hypothetical $100,000 in stocks, bonds and mutual funds over the 10-week period.

There are four divisions — aggressive growth, income growth, growth, and elementary — that require different allocations of stocks and bonds.

Registration for the program remains open throughout the simulation for new teachers, who supervise teams of two to four students each.

Hawaii SMS is administered by the Hawaii Council on Economic Education.

Results can be viewed at www.hawaiisms.com/public/portfolio/ranking.aspx.