The D'Nealian manuscript is a hybrid type of cursive in which the print form of the writing forms the base of the cursive. There are far fewer strokes per letter, according to proponents of the D'Nealian method. This eliminates transposing the letters b and d, a common error for those just learning to write, and makes the differences between the printed alphabet and the cursive alphabet so minor that they aren't overwhelming to the learner.
The Getty-Dubay method of italic handwriting aims to overcome the problems that loops of traditional cursive, taught in schools, can cause, such as slow writing speed and illegible writing. This form of cursive is a hybrid between printing and cursive, with easy, sloped lines between the individual letters.
The Zaner-Bloser cursive method is widely taught in schools today and is rooted in a foundation of strong printing skills, followed by cursive practice on lined sheets of paper. The Zaner-Bloser method uses large arm movement based in creative drawing methods, and focuses on outcomes of precise, beautiful penmanship. This method is the standard taught in most classrooms in the United States and has been for the past several decades.
The Palmer Method was taught throughout Catholic schools in the early and mid-20th century. This method, developed by Austin Palmer in 1915, focused on muscular training of the arms and hands, good posture and repetition in drills. This method resulted in not only beautiful penmanship, but quick and speedy writing that rivaled that of a typewriter. Furthermore, the penmanship was consistent, meaning that it looked the same (or similar) nearly all the time due to the repetition and drills. It was incredibly popular in its time. It was overcome in popularity by the Zaner-Bloser method, due to the fact that educators wanted a print-style of writing in schools, which Zaner-Bloser provided; the Palmer Method was strictly cursive and included no printing at all.