This invention is directed to a process for converting oxygenate to olefin product at an increased prime olefin selectivity (i.e., increased ethylene and/or propylene content) compared to conventional systems. The increase in ethylene and/or propylene content of the produced olefin product is accomplished using a reaction system that has at least two stages. Any number of stages can used in the entire process, as long as there are at least two stages in series and the temperature of any subsequent stage in series is lower than that of the preceding stage.