My clutch is working backwards

It stands for "Manual". It allows you to shift gears manually, without a clutch, for those performance oriented drivers. You can also use it to stay in low gear for climbing steep hills or driving in snow. Once you shift into "M" by moving the stick to the left of the "D" position, you should see a number "1" just above the "M", letting you know you're in first gear. Pushing the stick forward or backward shifts gears.

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shonds like an electrical short caused by clutch engagement check wires going to you engagement switch at clutch or by you gear shift housing

bad pressure plate or stuck throw out bearing.

Some of that model had an unusual clutch mechanism, which has probably broken due to wear. Read here

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_to_adjust_clutch_on_1995_ford_escort

In the event yours is instead fitted with a hydraulic clutch, either

- the hose has split
- the clutch throwout lever has broken or collapsed

Sounds like the connection broke at the throttle at the intake. Take a look to see if the clip broke. don-ohio

If your able to shift with the car off sitting in your driveway but not able to shift once the engine is running then you have one of several possible problems.

Problem 1) Possible clutch hydraulics problem where the hydraulics are not completely disengaging the clutch.

Problem 2) Clutch pressure plate fingers could be tired and not allowing the pressure plate to disengage the friction disc off the flywheel.

Problem 3) Not likely but depending on the abuse of the car, the synchros could be shot.

If the car has a decent amount of miles on it and is driven in the city a lot then Problem 1 and 2 are most likely the problem. So either way it's time to check some hydraulics or replace the clutch.

manual ,thank heaven ,dont see many autos here in spain,right without driving car so i can hear it then it stands two possibilities ,when clutch is depressed you hear a noise like a grinding squel ,this is the thrust bearing ,if you hear a rumbling noise that disappears when clutch is depressed then this is lay shaft bearings ,Now also the problem can be the fingers on the clutch plate are worn and the bearing is pushing the clutch plate fingers down but if one or two are worn away then the thrust bearing is being pushed through the pressure plate ,either way a new clutch is need and as these vehicles are rear wheel drive they are not difficult to renew ,Just have to make yourself a clutch alignment tool from a broom handle .Dont be scared of it they are not that difficult to do just dirty and messy thats all the hardest part is aligning the clutch so the spigot shaft goes through easly and you dont have to struggle pushing the gearbox in

The clutch has rusted to the flywheel drive the truck down the road you will have to start it in gear (1st) while driving push the clucth pedal to the floor and keep pushing up and down on the gas pedal to get the truck to rock forwards and backward the clutch should brake loose.

Sounds like you have a leak .... a bad master/ slave cylinder .... that car has a hydraulic clutch system you may see oil dripping, much cheaper than a new clutch ... pumping it may help shift until it empties out entirely ... check the reservoir ...

Does the shifter not move? IF it does move.. try going a little above or below the R and see if it does... check the transmission fluid.. make sure it is a reddish color and doesnt smelled burned.. if in fact this is an automatic transmission.. other then that I would say push it backwards put it in drive and head to the transmission shop... 
Good luck