EXHIBIT 32.1


                        CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT



         Pursuant to ss.906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C.
ss.1350, the undersigned officer of Renaissance Learning, Inc. (the "Company"),
hereby certifies that, to the undersigned's knowledge:

         (1)      the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
                  ended March 31, 2004 (the "Report") fully complies with the
                  requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the
                  Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

         (2)      the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in
                  all material respects, the financial condition and results of
                  operations of the Company.


Dated: May 5, 2004
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                                    /s/ John R. Hickey
                                    ------------------
                                    Name: John R. Hickey
                                    Title: President and Chief Executive Officer


THIS WRITTEN STATEMENT ACCOMPANIES THIS REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 AND SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO BE FILED BY THE COMPANY
FOR PURPOSES OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.