"Pulling" the dictation out of your notes refers to the skill necessary to read sloppy notes.  It is a useful skill for emergency situations.

   But if you are faced with this situation,  the critical question is not whether you can read the notes.  The question is: why did you write so sloppy?

   Your road to improvement lies in writing clearer.  That is the skill that you need.  

   And the "pulling" of the dictation?  Save that for the emergency situations. 

   You should not have more than one "emergency" situation per minute.  You should be able to read your notes very quickly and accurately.  If you constantly stumble on readback, then you are not writing well enough.

   Keep your standards high.  You are training for one of the most respected jobs in the world.  It is assumed that all stenographers are competent and professional.  That is a reputation that we can be proud of.