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As far as dictation, there are wonderful important instructions at the start of each level of dictation passages to follow. As far as placement, in a good placement, a student is probably missing a passage a week or two. If they never miss a passage for months on end, it's too easy. If they miss a passage daily, it's too hard. You can start at the beginning of a level to test it out for a few weeks, and then adjust by moving up or down 25-50 passages as needed. Once a benchmark starting place is best determined, it is best just to keep steadily moving forward. The best starting place for your oldest will be impacted by how much dictation that student has had in the past, as well as how strong of a student he/she is in LA. I'd start easier and move up if needed personally. It's always easier to go 'up' than 'down'! HTH!