Final answer:
The statement is false because grades and savings balances are outcomes, not strategies. Strategies are the actions taken to achieve the outcomes, which in the context of SMART goals, must be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that grades on a report card or the amount of money in a saving account are both strategies that fall under which element of SMART goal setting is false. SMART goals stand for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Grades and savings account balances are outcomes or indicators of progress towards a goal, rather than strategies themselves. A strategy would be the plan or actions taken to achieve a higher grade or to increase the amount of money in a savings account. Setting a SMART goal would involve creating a specific and measurable plan to reach the desired outcome in a realistic and timely manner.
For instance, a student may set a SMART goal to improve their grade in mathematics by participating in after-school tutoring, completing all homework assignments, and preparing thoroughly for tests. Similarly, a person may have a SMART goal to increase their savings by setting a monthly savings target, reducing unnecessary expenses, and regularly reviewing their budget.
An achievable and appropriate SMART goal requires planning and determining how to make those goals come true, which is the stage where strategies to meet the goals are developed.