How I'd like to teach

I'd strongly prefer to have only two graded assignments per semester or quarter with the higher of the two being the student's final grade for that period. That way if they do badly on one it doesn't hurt their final grade. In fact, if they get an A on the midterm, they wouldn't even need to show up for the final or indeed the classes the second half the semester/quarter. Fewer assignments mean less grading and also less need for make-up assignments. I like to keep things as simple as possible. Unfortunately, many teachers judge themselves and are judged by the amount of paper they compel their students to shuffle, with more = better. 

Homework is best left optional in my view. Too many students don't do it, put in minimal effort, cheat, copy, or try to do it at the beginning of class just before it is checked. High school students are especially prone to such acts. The students who want to excel will do it of their own accord, and the rest will avoid it like the plague. I have no interest in being a disciplinarian or a taskmaster, hence my reluctance to assign it. Of course, in most schools, homework is required by the administration whether the teachers like it or not. 

The exams I'd prefer to give would take an hour and would involve solving one somewhat challenging problem, perhaps one involving a proof. Since that would take a dozen or more steps, there would be plenty of chances for partial credit. Thus, a student who paid attention and made an honest effort would be very likely to get a passing grade, though maybe only a C or a D. Only good students who get the right answer deserve an A or a B in my view. Basically, a fair class should be easy to pass, but hard to get a good grade in. 

In the long run, grades don't matter much. Scores on tests like the ASVAB and SAT matter way more, as does passing licensing exams like the Fundamentals of Engineering test I took shortly before graduating college. Cs get degrees as the old saying goes, and anyone who can chew gum without crapping their pants can get a high school diploma in the US.