EXHIBIT 32.1
                        CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT



         Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C.
Section 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 September 30, 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: November 5, 2004
       ----------------

                                              /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.