The DSLA Program emphasizes achievement in three areas:

1. Academic - These options are available to address the academic needs of students:
   
   Beaver Dam Unified School District Competency Diploma (11 competency components)
   Beaver Dam High School Diploma
   Enhanced Competency Diploma
   Basic Competency Diploma
   Credit Make-up/Acceleration
   1. APEX Computer Program
   2. Packeted Courses
   3. DSLA Program Courses
2. Personal/Social - This area focuses on providing life long learning skills, self-advocacy skills, conflict resolution and decision making skills. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of group discussions on current social skills.
3. Career Development - Activities under the Employability Component include career exploration and planning, job seeking skills, job keeping skills, apprenticeships, co-ops, internships, mentoring, community partnerships, and job shadowing. Students also work on building a resume, filling out an application and learning successful interview skills.